More than 150 people were arrested in an operation conducted by North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement agents Friday night.
The overnight operation was conducted statewide at 21 Alcoholic Beverage Control-permitted businesses.
Officials said that during the operation, one agent performed CPR on an unresponsive overdose victim until paramedics arrived to provide Naloxone. Another agent identified a suspect in an armed robbery who had 17 outstanding warrants for his arrest.
The overnight operation used ALE agents in tandem with local sheriffs, police chiefs and law enforcement partners. Officials said the operation was intended to prevent violence and criminal activity that happens at locations that sell alcoholic beverages. Businesses permitted by the ABC and non-permitted locations including shot houses were targeted in the sting.
In total, 158 people were arrested and charged with 297 offenses, including 101 alcoholic beverage-related charges, 97 drug-related charges and 28 felonies. ALE special agents will submit violation reports to the N.C. ABC Commission to document regulatory and law violations they observed during the operation. Those violations could result in fines, suspensions or revocations of alcohol permits.
Across the state, 12 firearms and several controlled substances including marijuana, crack cocaine, ecstacy and heroin were seized. Officials say one vehicle was also seized and four search warrants were executed.
“This is the first of many operations ALE is planning to deter violence at nightclubs, bars and restaurants across the state,” said Terrance Merriweather, ALE branch head. “The number of fatal shootings that have occurred at these locations is prompting ALE's extra enforcement activity.”
Officials said the operation included locations in Asheville, Arden, Hendersonville, Hickory, Salisbury, Charlotte, Reidsville, Burlington, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Asheboro, Liberty, Mebane, Raleigh, Benson, Zebulon, Wilson, Washington, Ahoskie, Goldsboro, Wilmington, Castle Hayne, Swansboro, Jacksonville and Fayetteville.