27-year-old Keaisha Aliya Winkler of Walt Arney Road in Lenoir was arrested Friday (September 9) by authorities in Caldwell County. She’s charged with felony counts of trafficking in opium or heroin & maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for the sale of a controlled substance.

According to a news release, the arrest followed an investigation as part of the continued effort to combat the illegal fentanyl trade by the Lenoir Police Department and Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office. The effort led to the seizure of 145 grams (5.17 ounces) of fentanyl during an undercover investigation.

The arrest occurred in the early morning hours last Friday after a confidential source gave officers information regarding the alleged crimes. Officers with both agencies have been working to find and identify large scale fentanyl distributors due to the increased number of overdoses reported within Lenoir and Caldwell County.

A seizure of fentanyl of this quantity amounts to approximately 1,400 dosage units with a street value of $87,000. Winkler’s bond was set at $40,000 secured. She was not listed as an inmate today (September 11). A District Court appearance was scheduled today.

Anyone with information concerning this incident or any other on-going investigations is asked to call Caldwell County Crime Stoppers at (828) 758-8300 or the Lenoir Police Department at (828) 757-2100. All information received will be kept confidential and tips may be provided anonymously.