Executive Summary
- Charlotte police arrested six individuals during a targeted raid in the Northwest Service Area.
- Authorities seized over 335 grams of marijuana, 40 grams of crack cocaine, and two firearms.
- The operation targeted a property known as "The Carters," suspected of hosting open-air drug sales.
- Violent crime in Charlotte is reportedly down 20% compared to previous years.
CHARLOTTE — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers arrested six individuals and seized a significant quantity of narcotics and firearms during a targeted operation in the city’s Northwest Service Area, according to law enforcement officials. The crackdown aimed to disrupt open-air drug sales at a specific property identified by investigators as a local distribution hub.
The operation was executed by the Northwest Service Area Crime Reduction Unit in coordination with the Metro Division and the department’s SWAT team. Authorities focused their efforts on a property known locally as "The Carters," which police allege was a focal point for illegal drug activity. According to the official report, the tactical response was designed to secure the premises and detain suspects involved in the distribution network.
During the search, officers confiscated approximately 335.4 grams of suspected marijuana, over 40 grams of suspected crack cocaine, and 10 suspected Oxycodone pills. Investigators also recovered two firearms, various drug paraphernalia, and six mobile phones believed to be utilized for illicit communications. Law enforcement agents also seized over $700 in cash from the scene.
Police identified the individuals taken into custody as Deonta’e Beasley, Nniya Perry, Jerisha Reid, Antonio Gaines, Terrence Oxner, and Zavon Martin. The charges against the suspects range from possession with intent to sell or distribute controlled substances to maintaining a dwelling for drug use, felony possession of drugs, and resisting arrest. The arrests mark a significant disruption to the local narcotics trade in the sector.
This enforcement action occurs amidst a reported decrease in violent crime across Charlotte. According to recent statistics, the city has experienced a 24% decline in homicides and a roughly 20% reduction in overall violent crime through 2025 compared to previous years. Despite these improvements, authorities note that property crimes and specific drug offenses remain persistent challenges requiring specialized interventions.
Operational Strategy and Legal Context
The dismantling of established distribution points represents a continued strategic focus by local law enforcement to target high-activity zones rather than relying solely on general patrols. By utilizing specialized tactical units like SWAT and Crime Reduction teams, authorities aim to disrupt the supply chain of illicit substances while mitigating the potential for violence often associated with drug markets. While current data suggests a positive trend in public safety, targeted raids serve as a preventive measure against the resurgence of neighborhood-level crime hubs. It is important to note that all individuals arrested in connection with this operation are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
