SANFORD — When the agents of the Drug Enforcement Division of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office initiated what would become a year-long investigation into major cocaine and methamphetamine operations in 2013, they were focused on arrests and winning convictions, not on recognition and winning awards.
But the investigation, which resulted in 25 arrests and the seizure of about $800,000, 15 vehicles, 11,000 grams of cocaine and 8,000 grams of crystal methamphetamine, caught the attention of the N.C. Narcotics Enforcement Officers’ Association, and Lee County agents traveled to Carolina Beach this week to receive the NCNEOA’s Investigation of the Year award.
“It’s awesome,” said Lee County Narcotics Capt. Bryan Allen of the recognition. “It’s a very prestigious award. I’m kind of at a loss for words. I’ve got an awesome group of guys. In my opinion, to be recognized by the NCNEOA for having one of the top cases in North Carolina really says a lot.”
