Charges included selling alcohol without a permit, sales of alcohol to a minor, carrying a concealed weapon without a license, driving while intoxicated, open containers of alcohol in a motor vehicle, driving while license revoked, possession of narcotics and possession of alcohol by teenagers.

“ALE enforcement teams worked in the city of Wilmington and Columbus County in an effort to make our communities safer and improve the quality of life for law abiding citizens,” said ALE Special Agent in Charge Ted Carlton. “The close cooperation and support from local law enforcement were key in this effort.”

ALE organized Operation Frostbite following citizen complaints. Assisting in the operation were the Wilmington Police Department, Columbus County Sheriff's Department and Whiteville Police Department.

On Jan.8, two people were charged in Fair Bluff with operating an illegal outlet where alcohol was sold without obtaining the applicable ABC permits and revenue license. Robert Wilton Evans of Fair Bluff and Garry Tyrell McCray of Chadbourn were charged with operating the illegal establishment located at 12553 Andrew Jackson Highway, Fair Bluff.

On Jan. 9, Robert Bernard McDuffie of Chadbourn was charged with operating an illegal operation where alcohol was sold without obtaining the applicable ABC permits and revenue license. He was operating the establishment known as D&D Amusement at 408 Clark St. in Chadbourn.

Also, on Jan. 9:

Agents observed two separate incidences of sales to underage individuals at Buffaloes Grocery, 4924 Wrightsville Ave., Wilmington. The clerk and minor were cited in each case.

The Edge Lounge at 1219 S. Fifth Ave. in Wilmington was in violation of the ABC laws concerning the unauthorized possession of alcoholic beverages and allowing unlawful acts to occur.

Violation reports will be submitted to the North Carolina ABC Commission.

Operation Frostbite is just one of many community betterment projects being conducted by the Alcohol Law Enforcement Division throughout North Carolina.