For Release: Immediate  Date: November 4, 2003

Contact: Patty McQuillan Phone: (919) 733-5027 (ext.232)

CHARLOTTE - Last year, three Alcohol Law Enforcement agents assisted federal customs officers in a sting that netted 32 drug smugglers and dealers, 20,000 pounds of marijuana, and $2.5 million in drug money. The three agents were recognized for their efforts during a Nov. 5 ceremony in Greenville.

Crime Control and Public Safety Secretary Bryan Beatty presented Agent Samuel D. Ashley with a CCPS Meritorious Service Award for his extra work as the designated ALE agent-in-charge for Operation Prospero which lasted from Dec. 2001 to March 2002. Ashley and the two agents provided surveillance and videotaped suspects who were allegedly importing marijuana from Mexico to Charlotte and distributing it throughout the eastern United States. While working long hours on this case, Ashley did not let his regular ALE duties fall behind.

“Agent Ashley’s persistent support of this operation proved to be invaluable,” wrote U.S. Customs Service Agent Jeffrey S. Jordan. “His tireless and relentless commitment was noticed by all involved along with his positive attitude during stressful situations.”

ALE agents, Joe Barringer and Brad Putnam were recognized for their work on the case. Jordan wrote, “The vast amount of video surveillance obtained by these agents proved to be the keystone in the …investigation.” The video identified the violators and documented the overt acts, Jordan said.

Secretary Beatty awarded all three agents with the Secretary’s Gold Circle Award and ALE Director Mike Robertson presented the agents with the Director’s Coin Award.

“These three agents spent numerous hours, often working through holidays, nights and weekends to help identify and prosecute the drug smugglers,” Sec. Beatty said. “I commend all of them for going above and beyond the call of duty to help protect the law-abiding citizens of this state.”

Ashley has worked with the Dept. of Crime Control and Public Safety as an ALE agent for five years and is assigned to Rowan County.

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For those interested in covering the event, it will be held Nov. 5th at The Beef Barn in Greenville from 12:00-1:00 p.m.

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