LAURINBURG — The Laurinburg Police Department orchestrated an operation that led to more than 80 criminal charges during a two-day period.
From April 16-27, the police department responded to numerous shootings and shots fired calls throughout the city which resulted in numerous residential homes, vehicles and two individuals being struck.
From May 1-2, “Operation Blackout” was run with the assistance of the Scotland County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina State Highway Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.
According to a press release, the two-day operation seized 13 firearms, three of which were reported stolen.
The more than 80 criminal charges consisted of felony and misdemeanor charges along with traffic offenses.
Traffic offenses included multiple speeding violations, driving while license revoked, open containers of alcohol, no operators license, rear lamp violations, headlamp violations, fictitious registration, multiple stop sign violations, revoked registrations, expired registrations, no insurance, stop sign violation and six DWIs.
Drug offenses included possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute MDMA, possession with intent to distribute schedule IV controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute schedule VI controlled substance, maintaining a vehicle for controlled substances, felony possession of schedule I, felony possession of schedule II, possession of cocaine, possession of a controlled substance on jail premises ,simple possession of schedule VI and possession of drug paraphernalia.
There were also several firearm charges including possession of firearms, possession of stolen firearms, carrying a concealed firearm and carrying a concealed firearm after consuming alcohol.
Other assorted charges included obtaining property by false pretense, failure to stop for blue lights and siren, assault on a government official, resisting, delay and obstruct of an investigation, contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile and possession of alcohol under the age 21.
The names of all those who were arrested during “Operation Blackout” have not been made available at this time.
“The Laurinburg Police Department would also like to thank our joint law enforcement partners that assisted in “Operation Blackout,” the press release stated. “This is evidence of good police work that can be accomplished with cooperation among law enforcement agencies to reduce criminal activity within our community.”
Reach Katelin Gandee at kgandee@laurinburgexch.wpenginepowered.com.
