CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Charlotte-Mecklenburg police found guns, drugs and illegal fireworks on the adults and juveniles they arrested on the Fourth of July in uptown Charlotte.

Officers arrested a total of nearly 170 people. Of those, 26 were juveniles.

The charges range from carrying a concealed weapon to disorderly conduct. Police said about 30 of the arrested adults face disorderly conduct charges.

Police said during the arrests they confiscated an AK-47 assault rifle and a .40 caliber pistol.

Nineteen juveniles were taken into custody for breaking an 11 p.m. curfew in Charlotte. Police officers promised to strictly enforce that curfew after the fireworks shows ended.

Police said despite the high number of arrests, this year’s Independence Day was actually better than last year’s. On July 4, 2006, police in riot gear arrested fewer than 30 people in uptown, but some of them were throwing illegal fireworks and rocks at officers.

Police also made several arrests in 2005. Someone fired a gun into the crowd that year, but no one was hurt.

Authorities said this year was more peaceful because they were more proactive and got in uptown earlier. Deputy Chief Jerry Sennett heralded the department’s efforts.

“We consider this plan a success,” he said.

The plan placed more than 400 officers in the center city, on foot, on bike and on Segways. Many of them had their weapons visible.

Their presence drew mixed reactions from are residents.

“I think it’s a little much. I wouldn’t want to bring my child out here because they are standing around with guns – it would scare my girl,” said Tara Howell. “I understand they need to be out here.”

“It’s like a war zone out here. You got your officers on every street,” said Tony Starkes.

But residents agreed the plan prevented the unruly crowds seen in years past.

“Last year we came up here and we had to go home early because people were throwing firecrackers, but this year it’s all peaceful,” said Brian Collins.

Police said the plan was necessary to keep the peace and it may be what they use at big uptown events from now on.

“The plan worked, and this may be the template for the future in how we deploy our people,” Sennett said.