SALISBURY — Two Mexican nationals were charged in late June with trafficking in methamphetamine after a six-month investigation, according to the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office.

In January, detectives began an investigation of methamphetamine ice distribution in Yadkin, Rowan and Davie counties.

Undercover officers with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office made multiple purchases of methamphetamine ice from Alfredo Arias-Vello, 52, of Yadkinville, authorities said.

On June 27, Arias-Vello and Luciano Vargas-Benitez, 34, of Mocksville were arrested after another purchase. Investigators seized 15 ounces of methamphetamine ice.

Assisting in the investigation were the Salisbury Police Department, Mocksville Police Department, Yadkinville Police Department, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The case is being referred to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina for prosecution. A total of 1.5 pounds of ice was seized during the six-month investigation.  The street value of the drugs was $68,000.

Arias-Vello was charged with nine counts of trafficking in methamphetamine by possession, sale and transportation and one count of conspiracy to traffick in methamphetamine. Arias-Vello was issued a $500,000 secured bond.

Vargas-Benitez was charged with one count of conspiracy to traffick in methamphetamine. He was issued a $500,000 secured bond.