MONROE, N.C. – Police shut down a suspected drug operation after seizing several firearms, methamphetamine, and cash in Monroe on Tuesday, according to the Monroe Police Department. The investigation began after police conducted a traffic stop on 25-year-old Alex Cortes-Sanchez. During that stop , police said they located eight ounces of methamphetamine. Detectives obtained a search warrant for Cortes-Sanchez’s apartment on Icemorlee Street. In that search, detectives said they seized 50 ounces of methamphetamine, eight firearms, and over $20,000 in cash. Cortes-Sanchez was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, trafficking cocaine, maintaining a dwelling for the purpose of selling controlled substances, and possession of drug paraphernalia.  “If you are trafficking dangerous narcotics or illegal firearms in Monroe, understand this – we are coming for you,” said Police Chief Rhett Bolen. “Our department will continue to aggressively target those who profit from addiction and put our neighborhoods at risk.” Cortes-Sanchez remains in the custody of the Union County Detention Center. ...read more read less