A long-term investigation into alleged drug and alcohol violations at a Greensboro cocktail bar has resulted in over 150 criminal charges, according to authorities.
The North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division (ALE), with support from the Greensboro Police Department, carried out four search warrants Sunday morning as part of an investigation into numerous businesses in the city.
Officials said the investigation began in the fall of 2025 in response to complaints against Pura Vida Cocktail Bar and Restaurant, which is situated at 221 S. Elm St. investigators said they found evidence that staff and customers were allegedly involved in the sale and trafficking of illegal substances during business hours and elsewhere.
During the investigation, investigators confiscated over 172 grams of cocaine, over 25 grams of methamphetamine, two weapons, over $10,000 in cash, drug paraphernalia, and non-tax-paying alcohol.
Authorities also discovered alleged unlawful alcohol sales at another business on Cedar Park Road that was purportedly operating without required ABC authorization.
More than a dozen people associated with the businesses and linked sites have been charged with trafficking cocaine, possessing controlled substances with the purpose to sell or distribute them, running a drug-related company, and various alcohol-related infractions.
ALE officials said further search warrants were conducted at Greensboro homes related to the investigation.
A violation report will be submitted to the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, which may lead to administrative action such as permit suspension or revocation.
The investigation is still underway, and investigators anticipate to file additional charges.
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