Brunswick Co. Sheriff’s Office carries out dozens of arrests in ‘drug offender round-up’

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office successfully arrested dozens of alleged drug dealers on Friday while attempting to carry out 53 search and arrest warrants. 

Sheriff Brian Chism says his office is taking aim at people dealers in the county.  

“Now is the culmination of all the investigations coming together and picking everybody up and getting the dealers of the street. The ones that are selling drugs,” Chism said. 

While the county looks to crack down on drug dealers, many drug users are referred to programs like The Anchor Initiative, which can connect them to recovery services.  

“That’s why we come at it from an addiction aspect. I mean they have a problem, it’s an illness, and they can’t do it by themselves,” Chism said. 

When carrying out warrants, Sheriff Chism stressed the importance of ensuring safety for both officers and suspects. However, the dangers extend beyond weapons.  

“The Fentanyl for us has been the most dangerous. I know we had conversations earlier about officers we’ve seen overdose because you’re dealing with all that stuff so it’s definitely dangerous for us, and we’ve got to keep our officers safe, keep them educated on how to protect themselves when they’re out there,” Chism explained. 

Sheriff Chism tells us the reason that these warrants were all executed in the same day is because many of them are linked to the same investigations.  

53 warrants may sound like a lot but Chism says their work is far from finished. They still need help from the community.  

“We get a lot of tips coming in and we appreciate the information. And please know that we do run down all the tips that we get,” Chism added. 

To report a crime, you can do so with your name or anonymously on the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office website.