Detectives within the Narcotics Division of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department have formed a partnership with the United States Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) to investigate drug trafficking organizations inside Mecklenburg County. Enforcement efforts are aimed at intercepting large shipments of controlled substances and successfully prosecuting those responsible. Narcotics Interdiction detectives work alongside I.C.E. agents and utilize a wide array of investigative techniques to conduct these investigations, including, but not limited to anonymous and concerned citizen tips, confidential informants, cooperating defendants, surveillance(s) of suspects and suspect locations. Interdiction efforts are coordinated between CMPD and I.C.E. at locations of public transportation, such as Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, third party shipping locations, Interstates that traverse Mecklenburg County, and other identified avenues of narcotics smuggling. Detectives assigned to the N.I.U. can be contacted with narcotics information, tips, or questions at 704.336.3110 or 704.679.6140.
Pharmaceutical Drug Diversion detectives are responsible for investigations pertaining to the diversion of controlled substances and prescription drugs. These investigations may include embezzlement of controlled substances by health care workers and pharmacy staff or fraud and forgery used to obtain prescription drugs illegally, "doctor shopping", and false pretense. Diversion detectives also investigate unlicensed practitioners in unison with the NC State Bureau of Investigation, NC Medical Board, NC Board of Nursing and the NC Board of Pharmacy. Through the partnerships with each of these agencies we are able to educate the public as well as the medical community on ways to prevent the diversion and illicit use of prescription drugs and controlled substances.
Distribute pharmaceutical drugs without being properly licensed;
Practice medicine, dentistry or other similar professional practice without being properly licensed.
Detective L. Flowe 704.333.1048 cflowe@cmpd.org
Detective E. Kirchin 704.333.1053 ekirchin@cmpd.org
Technical Surveillance Unit
The Technical Surveillance Unit (TSU) has expanded significantly the past few years. Detectives assigned to this unit are responsible for providing audio and video surveillance as well as building, maintaining and repairing a wide variety of electronic recording equipment that is used in the prosecution of cases. The TSU is also responsible for keeping up to date on emerging technologies and their practical applications for law enforcement. Although the TSU works behind the scenes, they are a vital support resource for many felony investigations from Homicides to Auto Theft.
Return to Department Resources
K-9 Unit
The primary responsibility of the Narcotics K-9 is to assist in the search and recovery of narcotics. This is done by providing drug detection support for the Narcotics Unit, patrol, Federal, State and local agencies. The Narcotics K-9 is trained to detect the odors of various drugs to include cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, ecstasy and marijuana. They are also used to locate narcotics and money that are a result of drug trafficking in a variety of field situations. A K-9 can be valuable in narcotics detection and have been utilized in a variety of ways, such as detecting narcotics being transported at airports, through the mail, at bus terminals, other transportations facilities, screening vehicles suspected of containing hidden drugs and conducting drug searches in residences under police investigation.
Officer Chris Newman - 704.621.0402 cnewman1@cmpd.org
Officer Alan Raby - 704.499.1412 jraby@cmpd.org
Officer Ginny Woodlief - 704.621.0402 vwoodlief@cmpd.org
Community Outreach
In 1999 the police department began partnering with several community agencies to address the needs of people who live an at-risk lifestyle. A creative approach was developed to build a rapport with at-risk females in an effort to assist them with receiving the necessary substance abuse treatment.
These agencies along with the police department have been able to forge meaningful and lasting relationships that have proven beneficial to both individuals and the community thus enhancing the quality of life for all our citizens.
The Mcleod Addictive Disease Center
Hope Haven
Substance Abuse Prevention Services of the Carolinas
The Chemical Dependency Center of Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Sergeant Shane Edmonds - 704.589.5005 medmonds@cmpd.org
Detective Stephanie White - 704.336.8404 swhite@cmpd.org
Asset Forfeiture Unit
The Asset Forfeiture Unit is part of the Organized Crime and Intelligence Division. The unit is made up of two (2) detectives and an investigative technician who are responsible for evaluating property seized by CMPD's officers to determine if these items are suitable for forfeiture.
The members of this unit work with federal agencies and the N.C. Department of Revenue to seek the forfeiture of items used to facilitate a crime or the proceeds that are a part of being involved in criminal activity. The unit routinely seeks the seizure of vehicles and real property that are used in the commission of a crime as well as the money made by an individual(s) as a result of their participation in those crimes.
These forfeiture actions are separate and apart from the criminal prosecution of a defendant.
Anita Eudy - 704.336.3359 aeudy@cmpd.org
Commonly Asked Questions
What happens to the money seized by police?
If the money seized by police was used to facilitate or represents proceeds of a crime, the CMPD can request the forfeiture of that money. If the money is awarded to the department, those funds can be used for training, equipment or other purposes deemed appropriate by the Chief of Police with City Council approval.
I was found "not guilty" in court. Can the government still forfeit my money?
Yes. The forfeiture action runs concurrent with and is separate from the criminal prosecution of a defendant's case.
I received a letter from the N.C. Department of Revenue (NCDOR) stating that I owed money for a drug tax. Can the police department help me with that?
No. Only the NCDOR can answer questions about the drug tax.
For more information go to the Unauthorized Substances Tax Information page on the NC Department of Revenue website.
Websites of interest:
Partnership for a Drug Free America
U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency
U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics
National Institute of Drug Abuse
Office of National Drug Control Policy
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
