Drugs seized at Asheville club; owner charged with cocaine possession in state crackdown

ASHEVILLE — Ellington Underground and Polanco were among the Asheville locations targeted in a statewide sting over the weekend.

Andrew Ellington, 26, was charged with felony possession of cocaine and possession of paraphernalia after North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement special agents seized multiple small bags of cocaine at his business. Ellington Underground is a private downtown club that opened in 2017, downstairs from the S&W Cafeteria at 56 Patton Ave.

Ellington also was cited for failing to clear tables and counters of alcoholic beverages after 2:30 a.m., and other violations related to opening a private club to the public and failing to maintain paperwork.

The state said it will submit a violation for Polanco for failing to purchase alcoholic beverages from a wholesaler. The restaurant at 10 N. Market St. opened in 2017. Its owner is Hometell, a limited liability company.

Officials said more than 130 people were arrested statewide on a total of 209 charges, including illegal alcohol and drugs, during an operation May 4-6.

The sting was meant to prevent violence and other criminal activity at locations that sell alcoholic beverages, according to a news release.

Of the charges resulting from the operation, 87 alcoholic beverage-related charges, 84 drug-related charges and 12 felonies. The raids also seized 11 firearms, and "various amounts and types of controlled substances," the release said.

“This operation is another example of ALE special agents partnering with other agencies to deter violence at nightclubs, bars and restaurants across the state,” said Terrance Merriweather, ALE branch head, in the statement. “ALE is committed to focusing efforts on addressing violence and other criminal activity to make communities safer.”

The operation included partnerships with local law enforcement, ALE said.

Asheville Police Department did not participate in the operation, spokeswoman Christina Hallingse said.

Other seizures across the state included in the release:

Agents in Hope Mills intercepted a suspect with a concealed handgun and a rifle outside Aqua Lounge and Nightclub, where a person was shot a week earlier.

In Beaufort County, agents and sheriff’s deputies raided two illegal bars where drugs were being sold.

Agents and sheriff’s deputies located and seized an illegal moonshine distillery and raided two illegal bars in Franklin County.

At locations where regulatory or legal violations were found, ALE will report findings to the state ABC Commission.

The ALE operation occurred in these, and possibly other counties: Cumberland, Buncombe, Cherokee, Beaufort, Wilson, Nash, Edgecombe, Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Onslow, Carteret, New Hanover, Columbus, Forsyth, Wake, Franklin and Catawba.