Over 40 arrests and more than 400 drug, alcohol and weapons charges were the result of a months-long investigation and a two-day roundup, which concluded Thursday.
The joint operation between ALE and Greensboro Police Department addressed the illegal sales of alcohol and drugs from businesses and residences around Greensboro.
ALE special agents began the investigation last year after learning of illegal drug activity and gang violence stemming from two ABC-licensed businesses, Hot Spot, at 637 Martin Luther King Jr Drive, and M L K Discount Mart, at 1205 Martin Luther King Jr Drive. As the investigation progressed, special agents found numerous individuals were involved in the manufacturing, selling and distributing of illegal drugs around these stores.
Before dawn on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, until late Thursday, February 4, 2021, ALE and the Greensboro Police Department systematically raided five residences and both ABC-licensed businesses. The raids resulted in a total of 47 arrests and 432 charges, 320 of which were felonies; Special agents also seized marijuana, powder cocaine, crack cocaine, ecstasy and five firearms.
As a result of the illegal activity, ALE has submitted reports to the ABC Commission documenting the investigation for both Hot Spot and M L K Discount Mart which could result in a fine, suspension or revocation of ABC permits.
“One of the highest priorities of ALE is to partner with other law enforcement agencies to address locations in North Carolina communities that serve as havens for crime,” said Bryan House, Director of ALE. “Our special agents conducted a three month criminal investigation that revealed unlawful activity was chronically occurring at two ABC-permitted businesses in Greensboro. We also discovered additional crimes that originated at these businesses were impacting the surrounding community.”
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