Operation Gateway nets 23 arrests


Operation Gateway 1

Sheriff R. Thomas Breedlove and Henderson Police Chief Glen B. Allen reported that the Interagency Drug Enforcement Unit, with the assistance of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, conducted a seven-month undercover drug campaign.

Warrents were obtained for 51 individuals with a total of 164 separate charges. These individuals were allegedly involved in trafficking, possession, and the sale of illegal controlled substances.

Operation Gateway 2

The purpose of the operation was to target all of the individuals who are involved in the drug trade at all levels. These include high-level, mid-level, and street-level dealers in the community who sell drugs in and out of their residences.

Operation Gateway 3

Agents chose areas based on citizen complaints of drug activity occuring in their communities as well as information gathered by agents.

Lieutenants D. H. Adcock and C. O. Pulley coordinated the effort.

Operation Gateway 4

The stated mission objective was to serve warrents on as many of the identified individuals as possible within a reasonable amount of time, as well as to operate the round-up as effectively and as safely as possible.

A half-hour briefing was held at 6:00 a.m. at the Henderson Police Department. Officers were advised of assignments and given a list of identified suspects.

Operation Gateway 5

Unserved warrents were placed at the Henderson Police Department for later service.