Johnston County attacks drug and gambling rings

Johnston County authorities say a joint operation this week uncovered a large stash of drugs, illegal alcohol, cash and gambling equipment at a Benson property.

Deputies from the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office teamed up with North Carolina State Liquor Police agents to execute a search warrant on Wednesday (March 18). The property is located along the 800 block of Dragstrip Road. Investigators moved in after what they described as a spike in complaints from neighbors about alleged drug dealing and illegal gambling at the site.

The sheriff’s narcotics unit is handling the case, with ALE agents assisting during the investigation and search.

Officials said in a Facebook post that the location has become a constant source of criminal activity in the area. When officers arrived to serve the warrant, a man tried to run out the back of the building while holding what authorities described as a large amount of illegal substances. Deputies and ALE agents quickly apprehended this individual, secured the scene and began searching the property where they believe they found several illegal gaming machines.

Johnston County investigators find illegal gambling machines during a raid

According to the sheriff’s office, investigators found about 197 grams of cocaine, approximately seven ounces, along with 160 grams of crystal methamphetamine and 57 grams of oxycodone. They also seized 58 gallons of illegal alcohol, identified as moonshine, and about $200,000 in cash, which authorities believe was related to illegal activity.

Officials say the investigation ended with a broader effort prompted by repeated complaints from residents living nearby. They described the result as a direct response to those concerns and an attempt to stop the ongoing drug sales and illegal gambling.

Authorities identified the suspect as Danny Bruce Allen of Benson. He will be charged with Trafficking in Cocaine, Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Maintaining a Dwelling for a Controlled Substance, Trafficking in a Schedule II Controlled Substance (Oxycodone), Possession of Unpaid Alcohol Tax (Sammon).

Investigators also say the presence of multiple gaming machines points to illegal gambling operations at the property. No additional arrests were announced in the statement released Wednesday.

Sheriff Steve Bizzell said the case highlights how local and state agencies can work together to more effectively deal with crime. He credited both narcotics detectives and ALE agents with helping to remove drugs and other illegal activity from the community.

« Removing this amount of drugs and illegal operation from our county is a direct reflection of our proactive approach to community-driven law enforcement. We will continue to aggressively pursue those who attempt to profit from illegal drugs and other illegal activities in Johnston County. »

Officials say the case began with tips from the public and culminated in what they described as a major disruption to drug distribution, illegal alcohol sales and gambling related to Benson’s property.

Featured Image: Johnston County Sheriff’s Office via Facebook