North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) special agents executed a search warrant at a Raleigh residence resulting in criminal charges being filed and the arrest of two persons suspected of selling illegal drugs at local nightclubs.
In April of 2024, ALE received complaints regarding the sales of controlled substances in and around ABC permitted businesses in the Glenwood South and downtown Raleigh area. As a result of the tip, ALE initiated an investigation substantiating the complaints. Undercover ALE special agents purchased cocaine, LSD, ketamine, and MDMA from Nicholas Banister and Amanda Lee Banister. As a result of the investigation, a search warrant was executed at 1516 Long Cove Court, in Raleigh. During the search, 884 grams of cocaine, 540 grams of ketamine, 325 grams of MDMA, 16 pounds of marijuana, 13.6 ounces of psilocybin mushrooms, 3,383 methamphetamine pills, 9,283 Xanax pills, 216 dosage units of LSD, two firearms, a pill press, a 2000 Toyota 4Runner, and $69,050 in US currency were seized.
“ALE special agents work to address criminal activity at ABC permitted businesses throughout the state” said Bryan House, Director of North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement. “This investigation into drug dealing around establishments in the Glenwood South and downtown Raleigh areas uncovered the Banisters’ elaborate drug trafficking operation.”
The following individuals were charged:
Nicholas Banister, 35, of Raleigh,
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Possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine (3 counts),
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Selling and delivery of cocaine (3 counts),
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Possession with intent to sell and deliver ketamine (2 counts),
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Selling and delivery of ketamine
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Possession with intent to sell and deliver LSD,
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Selling and delivery of LSD,
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Possession with intent to sell and deliver MDMA,
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Selling and delivery of MDMA,
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Conspiracy to sell/distribute cocaine,
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Conspiracy to sell/distribute ketamine,
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Conspiracy to sell/distribute LSD,
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Maintain a vehicle for use, storage and sale of controlled substances (3 counts),
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Trafficking cocaine 4 counts
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Trafficking in MDMA
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Trafficking in amphetamine
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Trafficking in LSD (4 counts),
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Trafficking in marijuana
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Possession with intent to sell and deliver psilocybin mushrooms,
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Possession with intent to sell and deliver Xanax,
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Maintaining a dwelling to keep and/or sell controlled substances,
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Manufacturing MDMA,
Amanda Lee Banister, 35, of Raleigh,
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Conspiracy to sell and distribute ketamine,
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Conspiracy to sell and distribute cocaine (2 counts),
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Conspiracy to sell and distribute LSD,
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Possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine,
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Selling and delivery of cocaine,
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Possession with intent sell and deliver LSD,
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Selling and delivery of LSD,
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Trafficking in cocaine,
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Trafficking in MDMA,
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Trafficking in amphetamine,
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Trafficking in LSD 2 counts
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Trafficking in marijuana,
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Possession with intent to sell and deliver ketamine,
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Possession with intent to sell and deliver Xanax,
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Possession with intent to sell and deliver psylocibin mushrooms,
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Maintaining a dwelling to store controlled substances,
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Manufacturing MDMA
About ALE:
ALE’s 111 specially trained agents have the authority to arrest and take investigatory action throughout North Carolina. Their primary responsibility is the enforcement of Alcoholic Beverage Control, tobacco, state lottery and gambling laws.
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