Across the eight districts, ALE special agents worked collectively to reduce alcohol related crimes and addressed problematic, high-crime areas around ABC-licensed and unlicensed illegal businesses. These concentrated efforts resulted in the service of two search warrants and the seizure of two firearms, a vehicle, various illegal controlled substances, and U.S. Currency. The offenses included 176 alcoholic beverage related charges, 136 drug related charges, as well as 64 felony charges.

“ALE’s primary mission is to reduce alcohol related crimes and proactively reduce crime around establishments where alcoholic beverages are sold,” said Israel Morrow, Assistant Director for Operations of Alcohol Law Enforcement. “By partnering with sheriffs and police chiefs around the State, we’re able to maximize our efforts, connect with our communities and make these locations safer for North Carolinians.”

Throughout the state, 28 ABC permitted businesses were discovered to be in violation of state laws and regulations. ALE special agents will submit violation reports to the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission documenting the criminal and regulatory violations which could result in fines, suspensions, or revocations of ABC permits.

The statewide enforcement operation was focused in Brunswick, Caswell, Craven, Dare, Davidson, Durham, Forsyth, Guilford, Jackson, Johnston, Mecklenburg, New Hanover, Pender, Pitt, Rockingham, Union, Vance, and Wake Counties.