Drug sting leads to dozens of arrests and drug seizures in Selma

SELMA, NC (WTVD) – A major operation in Johnston County that lasted 10 months has taken dozens of suspected drug dealers off the streets.

Selma police said “Operation Tainted Candy” resulted in 25 arrests Tuesday and SPD seized large quantities of meth, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and more. The stabbing is one of the largest in Selma's history.

“I just think it's really important that our streets and our neighborhoods are safe,” said Vanessa Lopez, a Selma resident and mother of five.

Vanessa's children range in age from 9 to 20, and she said that means they are very worried about their safety and what may be looming on the streets.

“They're all within the age range of what I would imagine, their friendships and the people they spend time with,” she said. “And they also want to ride their bikes around the neighborhood and things like that.”

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As part of the operation, which involved 10 months of undercover drug buys throughout Selma, police rounded up drugs and suspected drug dealers at various locations, including the Quality Inn and homes on Wood Street and Cypress Court.

“You feel like you're doing something great for the community and the city and getting bad things off the streets,” said Sgt. Justin Vause with Selma PD.

The city's mayor, Byron McAllister, said he is proud of the work being done to clean up Selma's streets.

“This is a blessing for this community, especially a community right off (Interstate) 95 that sees the effects of drugs up close, up close and personal every day,” McAllister said.

McAllister said that as a father of four, he was reassured knowing the work being done to combat drug-related crime.

“It's much easier for you to fall asleep knowing that someone is always looking out for you in the town of Selma,” he said.

Selma police have identified 27 targets as part of Operation Tainted Candy and are still searching for two suspects. Charges range from simple possession to possession with intent to distribute to drug trafficking and more.