On Jan. 22, Deonte Sincere Gardner, 25, pleaded guilty to trafficking in fentanyl and will face a higher sentence due to his status as a habitual felon.
The charges relate to a drug investigation by the Asheville Police Department in Aug. 27, 2025. After receiving a tip about illicit drug distribution in the area of New Leicester Highway in West Asheville, officers discovered 16.6 grams of fentanyl that Gardner concealed under his clothing during a traffic stop.
Gardner’s criminal history indicated convictions for sale of heroin, possession of a stolen firearm, common law robbery, flee to elude arrest, possession of methamphetamine, possession with intent to sell and deliver controlled substances and possession of a firearm by felon…