COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) – The sheriff’s office is launching a new initiative called Operation Take Back Columbus to step up the war on drugs.
This initiative targets open air drug markets in Columbus County, which are hotspots for people who use and sell drugs.
The Columbus County and Brunswick County’s Sheriff’s Offices are working together to address the problem of the open air drug market. On Wednesday, they placed signs and surveillance cameras on Clyde Norris Road in Tabor City, the first place they went.
Columbus County Sheriff Jody Greene says because the area is near South Carolina, people keep driving to Tabor City to buy drugs.
“Two shootings there, one killed a month ago, this is where we always have problems and we will fix it and there will be presence when we get there,” said Sheriff Jody Greene.
Sheriff Greene said these open air drug markets are a growing problem in the county which is why they will be monitoring these areas around the clock.
“People stand there, day and night people stop and buy their drugs there, so it’s not in a house. So we researched the landowner, they were kind enough to sign us as agents, so we publish the property. That gives us the right to be on this property and monitor who is on that property, ”said Sheriff Greene.
He said they had already noticed a decline in activity in the area and spotted cars frequenting the open-air drug market.
“It takes work, it takes to be there, to be seen,” Greene said. “For the people, the users, they will get tired of it and that will hurt the suppliers. Basic economy, supply and demand. “
The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office hopes to further expand its partnerships for the initiative by also partnering with the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office.
