The N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) division seized alcohol, drugs, and one firearm from an illegal outlet in Wilmington.
As a result of complaints from the community, ALE concluded an investigation into an illegal alcohol establishment on Friday, according to an ALE news release. The investigation culminated with the service of a search warrant on this establishment, resulting in multiple criminal charges and the seizure of alcohol, drugs, U.S. currency and one firearm.
Assisted by the Wilmington Police Department, ALE conducted the search warrant at 1306 S. 16th St. This collaborative operation led to the seizure of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, U.S. currency, assorted alcoholic beverages and one firearm. During the course of the investigation, Lanita Harrington was determined to be the operator of the illegal business.
“Illegal establishments, such as the one involved here, oftentimes serve as a hub or refuge for additional violent criminal activity,” said Wilmington Police Chief Donny Williams in the release. “This case is another example of how strong partnerships with fellow law enforcement agencies benefit our community. I am proud of our officers for their role in this case. I am also grateful to ALE for their quick work on this investigation and continued dedication to ensuring state alcohol laws are adhered to.”
In relation to the search warrant, Harrington was charged with possess for sale alcoholic beverages without ABC permits, sale alcoholic beverages without ABC permits, unauthorized possession of spiritous liquor, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and carrying a concealed firearm.
It’s the second ALE search of a Wilmington outlet this year that resulted in seizing alcohol, drugs and firearms. In January, ALE teamed with the Wilmington Police Department and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office to charge two people in connection with illegal activity at 1219 S. Fifth Ave., formerly known as Edge Lounge.
In May, District Attorney Ben David held a news conference to announce there was a permanent ban on the property operating as a nightclub and prohibiting the sale of alcohol from the premises for at least the next five years.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: ALE shuts down Wilmington, NC, business after illegal alcohol sales
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