Dozens targeted during BCSO operation ‘Throw Back in Jail’

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Quite a wake-up call for dozens of people in Brunswick County.

Operation “Throw Back in Jail” rounded up suspects wanted on drug and gun charges.

It’s the result of a six month investigation.

“If you deal drugs in Brunswick County we’re coming for you,” Brunswick County Sheriff John Ingram said. “It’s just plain and simple.”

Sheriff Ingram says these round-ups take a lot of undercover work and planning.

Several teams went across Brunswick County, searching for people from Leland to Calabash, many ending up in handcuffs.

“We’re getting people that are demonstrating that they are going to deal this poison on our streets without regard of our laws or who it affects or who it kills. And we’re going to do everything we can to get them off the streets,” Ingram said.

Investigators say out of the 63 suspects, 40 were repeat drug offenders. Drugs were even found during the round-up.

“Unfortunately they chose to continue to do that because the way that our laws are structured currently they can be convicted of one, two, or three felonies and never really serve a day in jail,” Ingram said.

Sheriff Ingram says these repeat offenders play the system and use it to their advantage, something he wants to change.

“There’s a better solution, make it where if you sell drugs and you’re convicted you go to prison, not get probation, there’s a novel idea. If they chose to deal drugs and be a part of that put them in prison.”

At last check, deputies arrested 19 people on Thursday. They previously arrested 30, so nearly 50 of the 63 are in jail.