HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (WBTV) — A SWAT-led operation in Huntersville has resulted in the arrest of two men in connection to a narcotics investigation. Carlos Clark and Christopher Clark, both 22, were taken into custody on Wednesday, September 17, at Gladwick Court with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the SWAT team.
The two suspects are currently being held at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center.
The arrests come amid growing concern in the community about the impact of drugs—especially fentanyl—on local youth. Tamara Ellestade, a grieving mother, spoke publicly about the loss of her 14-year-old daughter, Olivia Moloney, to a fentanyl overdose.
“It’s so important that kids understand how dangerous the drugs are now,” said Ellestade. “We have two more off the street, but there are 100 more behind them.”
She said the woman who distributed the fentanyl that led to her daughter’s death had been arrested multiple times before authorities took serious action.
“It took multiple lives of children for them to really take it seriously,” she added.
Jamal Othosinir, clinical director at The Blanchard Institute in Lake Norman, emphasized the need for community-based support systems to address drug use and prevention.
“It’s not a one-size-fits-all. It’s going to take a village,” Othosinir said.
Ellestade urged the community to remain vigilant and report any known drug activity to help prevent further tragedies.
“If we know someone is selling or making drugs, we need to turn them in,” she said.
Huntersville Police Department is continuing its investigation and encourages anyone with information to come forward.
