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.”  

Nicholas Banister, 35, of Raleigh,