Arrests made for marijuana and crack cocaine suspects

WADESBORO, N.C. — An Anson County drug task force rounded up nearly two dozen suspected drug dealers and seized drugs and hundreds of dollars in cash.

Eyewitness News got an exclusive look at Operation Silent Night early Wednesday morning, when police and sheriff's deputies teamed up to raid suspects' houses.

"When it's early in the morning, it's a big surprise to them to look out a window and see a bunch of police officers," said Wadesboro Police Chief Thaddus Spencer.

Authorities said the arrests were the culmination of a six-month investigation in which undercover officers bought marijuana and cocaine from the suspects.

Spencer said many of the dealers had moved their operations outside of city limits to avoid the scrutiny of law enforcement.

Twenty-six suspects were on the list, with warrants for more than 150 felony charges.

Officers did find one surprise in Polkton: while arresting suspect Jeffrey Polk, who officers said had crack rocks in his back pocket, during the arrest, authorities noticed suspicious activity at a house two doors down.

Investigators said when they went to talk with the home's residents, they found a large bag of crack cocaine, marijuana and large wads of cash.

The suspects told Eyewitness News they had no knowledge of the drugs or money.

Sheriff Tommy Allen said although some suspects were still on the run, the operation would continue.

"They just don't know who's looking over their shoulder and who they are selling to, and they need to be careful, because it might be one of us," Allen said.

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