Massive Drug Bust in Madison: Fentanyl, Firearms, and Stolen Vehicles Seized in Multi-Agency Raid
- BTW21
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
MADISON, N.C. (BTW21) — A large-scale, multi-agency operation on July 3 led to the seizure of a deadly cache of drugs, firearms, and stolen property in Rockingham County.
Authorities say the bust may have prevented tens of thousands of potential fentanyl-related overdoses.
The coordinated effort—led by the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the NC State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and local police departments in Eden and Madison—executed multiple search warrants on Angell Road in Madison, NC.
One of the main targets was a residence at 1297 Angell Road, where investigators uncovered a significant amount of narcotics and stolen goods:
48 grams of Fentanyl (enough to lethally overdose over 24,000 people, per DEA estimates)
16 grams of Methamphetamine
17 grams of Marijuana
Several unidentified pills
2 Firearms
$4,746 in U.S. currency
3 Stolen Vehicles and 1 Stolen Trailer
As a result of the investigation and the search at 1297 Angell Road, 32-year-old Ashley Ann Ward was arrested on Thursday, July 10, 2025. She faces a slew of charges, including:
Felony Trafficking Opium or Heroin
Felony Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, and Deliver Schedule II Controlled Substance
Felony PWIMSD Methamphetamine
Felony PWISD Marijuana
Felony Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Controlled Substances
Misdemeanor Simple Possession of Schedule IV Controlled Substance
Ward was brought before a magistrate and held without bond. Her first court appearance is scheduled for July 11, 2025, in Rockingham County District Court.
Due to ongoing developments in the investigation, a second search warrant was executed at the same Angell Road residence on July 10, leading to further evidence collection.
Authorities say more charges and arrests are expected in the coming days.
The Angell Road properties remain under close scrutiny, as they are linked to two active and concerning investigations:
The disappearance of 45-year-old Harry Lee Willard, who was last seen at one of the Angell Road residences before being reported missing on January 21, 2025. He remains missing.
The fatal overdose of 40-year-old Jason Douglas Crawford, which occurred at 1295 Angell Road on November 2, 2024.
Both cases are still being actively investigated. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact:
Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office: 336-634-3232
CrimeStoppers (anonymous tips): 336-349-9683
The investigation remains active, and officials say more updates will be released as additional arrests are made.