For Release: Immediate  Date: August 8, 2001

Contacts: A.L.E. District VIII Supervisor Richard Griffin 704-342-6322 or Wingate Police Chief Scott Stroud 704-233-1697 or Marshville Police Chief Mike Gaddy 704-624-6767.

WINGATE -- The Marshville Police Department, Wingate Police Department and N.C. Division of Alcohol Law Enforcement (A.L.E.) are serving indictments on approximately 13 people today during an operation targeting drug dealers in neighborhoods throughout the two communities.

"Teamwork was the key to this successful operation," said Wingate Police Chief Scott Stroud. "By working together we send a powerful message that drugs won't be tolerated in our communities."

This operation is an ongoing response to community complaints.

"It is especially important for small communities like ours to work together and pool our resources to improve our quality of life," said Marshville Police Chief Mike Gaddy. "I would particularly like to thank A.L.E. for their assistance with the undercover portion of our operation."

Charges made include possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, and sale and delivery of cocaine.

"A.L.E. has a long history of assisting local law enforcement in making their communities safe," said John D. Smith, III, Director. "I am pleased we could help these two agencies respond pro-actively to community complaints."

During the two-month operation, undercover agents and officers - assisted by the Union County Sheriff Department's Narcotics Division - bought drugs from dealers. The arrests being made today complete the operation.

A.L.E. is charged by the General Statutes with enforcing alcohol beverage control laws and the Controlled Substances Act. The Division puts special emphasis on the possession and use of alcohol by underage persons, and the prevention of violent crime due to alcohol and drug abuse.

###

Back to Top

CCPS Home

Back to News Release List