Johnston County, N.C. – On Friday, January 20, 2023, NC ALE coordinated a joint operation to address criminal activity in and around ABC permitted establishments in Johnston County. The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, Smithfield Police Department, Four Oaks Police Department, Johnston County ABC, and the NC State Highway Patrol participated.
The collaborative operation netted 31 arrests, consisting of seven felony and 69 misdemeanor criminal charges filed. The operation resulted in the seizure of two firearms, alcoholic beverages, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and Catha edulis (Khat) an illegal drug. Additionally, violations were detected at three ABC permitted businesses and one residence was determined to be selling alcoholic beverages illegally.
In addition to the arrests, violation reports will be submitted to the NC ABC Commission, which may result in fines, suspensions, or revocations of ABC permits.
The violations submitted to the NC ABC Commission included:
- Brotherhood Market, located at 300 S. Pollock Street, Selma, NC
Violation: Employee found in possession of controlled substances and allowing criminal activity.
- Tap It, located at 526 South Brightleaf Boulevard, Smithfield, NC
Violation: Allowing unlicensed armed security.
- Neighborhood Market, located at 507 Lizzie Street, Selma, NC
Violation: Selling Adulterants used to defraud a drug screening test
"This is another great example of state and local law enforcement partnering to ensure safer communities,” said Sheriff Steve Bizzell. “We will continue to work with the NC ALE with other mutual concerns in Johnston County over the next several months."
“ALE special agents prioritize partnerships with other law enforcement agencies to accomplish our public safety mission,” said Bryan House, Director of NC ALE. “We will continue working with our Johnston County partners to address ABC-licensed and illegal establishments where criminal activity is occurring.”
About ALE:
ALE’s 109 specially trained agents have the authority to arrest and take investigatory action throughout North Carolina. Their primary responsibility is the enforcement of Alcoholic Beverage Control, tobacco, state lottery and gambling laws.
###