7 Charged With Distributing Large Amounts Of Meth Near An Elementary School

Justin Pryor,

DREXEL, NC — The Burke County Sheriff’s Office arrested seven people Wednesday after reports of large amounts of methamphetamines being dealt near an elementary school.

Burke County detectives and SWAT executed a search warrant at a home on Hollar Street, which was located near Drexel Elementary. Officials say a large amount of meth, along with numerous drug paraphernalia items and U.S. currency was seized during the search.

Each suspect has been charged with Felony Trafficking Methamphetamine and Felony Maintaining a Dwelling Place for Drugs/Controlled Substance, and placed under a $500,000 secured bond.

Their names are listed below:

  • Manila Cha, 34, of Connelly Springs, NC
  • Nancy Cha, 47, of Valdese, NC
  • Yua Staci Cha, 41, Drexel, NC
  • Bounpheng Luanglath, 46, of Drexel, NC
  • Linthong Lin Phimmachak, 47, of Drexel, NC
  • Paulina Thao, 48, of Albemarle, NC
  • Linda Yang, 25, of Stanley, NC