CHEROKEE COUNTY, NC – Authorities are searching for a Cherokee County man after investigators say they seized a large quantity of methamphetamine during a search connected to an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.

According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, the agency’s Narcotics Division and Criminal Investigations Division, along with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant on March 4 at the residence of Colby Brett Phillips in the Martins Creek community.

During the search, investigators reported seizing approximately 250 grams of methamphetamine. Authorities said the total amount recovered during the course of the investigation reached about 278 grams.

Earlier that day, an agent attempted to stop Phillips’ vehicle. According to the sheriff’s office, Phillips initially stopped but then drove toward the approaching agent, creating what officials described as a potentially dangerous situation. Phillips later fled the scene in the vehicle.

The vehicle was later found abandoned in a private residential neighborhood. Residents told investigators it had passed through the area at a high rate of speed, authorities said.

Phillips now faces multiple charges, including three counts of trafficking in methamphetamine, felony sell or deliver methamphetamine, felony conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine, felony flee to elude arrest with a motor vehicle, and reckless driving to endanger, along with several misdemeanor charges.

Investigators said the case marks the third recent drug trafficking investigation involving Phillips. Authorities stated he was already out on bond for two previous trafficking-related cases in and around Cherokee County.

Phillips remains wanted, and the sheriff’s office is asking for the public’s help in locating him.

Officials said the investigation remains ongoing.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.