STING NABS DRUG SUSPECTS IN GRAHAM COUNTY

ROBBINSVILLE - In one of the more unusual law enforcement operations ever
conducted in Graham County, undercover officers set up shop in a pool hall
last month where young people were reputed to be buying illegal drugs.

Officers changed the name from Wizard's Web Game Room to Daryl's House of
Pool and banned anyone under the age of 16 from entering. Other than that,
it was business as usual, said Graham County Sheriff Steve Odom.

"There was more drug dealing going on than anything else," he said.

Officers took the unusual step of taking control of the pool hall after the
owners indicated they might shut it down. The owners were unaware that
criminal activities were taking place at the business, Odom said.

The pool hall, which also had video-game machines, had been under
surveillance since October, with undercover officers purchasing illegal
drugs such as methamphetamine and a variety of prescription drugs.

Friday, the charade ended with the arrests of nine people. At least one
more arrest is expected. In total, there were 118 criminal charges, with 91
felonies and 27 misdemeanors. Felony charges are graver than misdemeanors,
carrying the potential for heavier fines and more substantial prison sentences.

Local officers had assistance from federal, state and neighboring law
enforcement departments during the undercover operation, which was dubbed
"Eight Ball."

Graham County resident Cecil Johnson said he was delighted to see the
crackdown on the illegal drug trade.

"It's been bad for several years," said Johnson, who called Odom a "dandy"
sheriff. "He's one of the best we've had in Graham in a long time."