On Monday, undercover investigators with the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office made the first arrest in what is being called Operation Perk Up, an initiative sparked by citizen tips about drug activity in their neighborhoods. More arrests are expected within the coming days.

Charles “Frankie” Long, 38, of 1681 Keener Road, Clinton, was charged with selling opium/heroin; trafficking by delivery of opium/heroin; trafficking by possession of opium/heroin; and conspiracy to traffic opium/heroin.

The amount of drugs Long had sold was not known at press time.

Long was placed in the Sampson County Detention Center under a secured $150,000 bond, which was set by Magistrate C. Price.

“Operation Perk Up” is an undercover campaign initiated by the Sheriff’s Office in June in response to anonymous drug complaints called in by citizens, according to officials at the department.

“Additional arrests will be made in the next few days. It will culminate weeks of surveillance and undercover purchases,” said Sheriff Jimmy Thornton Tuesday.

Thornton said it was the assistance of the public that helped with the investigation and the eventual arrest of suspected drug dealers.

“If you give us the information, we’ll do our best to follow up on it,” he said. “Results are not always immediate due to manpower limitations, surveillance needs, and, of course, the legal red tape, however we will do everything within our power to respond.”

If you have any information or a tip on drug dealers, call the Special Investigations Division at 910-592-8917.

To reach Doug Clark call 910-592-8137 ext. 123 or send e-mail to sisports@myclintonnc.com.