2-Year Investigation Leads to Drug Bust, 45 Arrests, 100 Warrants

A two-year investigation combining efforts from state and local officials from Newberry, Laurens, and Fairfield counties led to a massive drug bust that led to 100 warrants and 45 arrests.

The drug bust, launched the morning of Thursday, June 12th, involved warrants for almost every kind of drug crime, from trafficking heroin to manufacturing methamphetamine. According to police reports, an additional 20 people have been charged with trying to purchase pseudoephedrine products to manufacture methamphetamine.

“We as a society have created an environment where we do not diligently deal with the use and sale of illegal drugs,” said Newberry Sheriff Lee Foster. “We label it a victimless crime, I challenge you to try to make a burglary victim feel safe in their own home again, go through a neighborhood where gunshots ring out at night, or try console the parents of drug addicted parents; you tell those people that drugs are a victimless crime.”

Foster said that a crackdown against prescription drug abuse led many addicts in the area to turn to heroin – a growing national problem, as reports of a demographic shift in heroin use to a mostly white, suburban population points to a continuing problem with opioid painkiller abuse.

“It is popular because on the streets because an OxyContin pill ranges from $40 to $80 but a dose of heroin is $10 to $20,” said Foster.

“There must be a public understanding that the sell and use of drugs effects our communities,” said Foster. “Much of this investigation came from complaints for citizens who want safe, drug free communities and law enforcement in Newberry County has committed to be partners to make our communities great, safe places to live.”

The tri-cities community disapproved of the neighborhood disturbance caused by the drug bust, according to police, but investigations into the illicit drug activity will hopefully keep many people in the area safer for longer.

Drug Bust Charges for Possession, Manufacture, and Distribution in South Carolina

Distribution, possession with intent to distribute, and the manufacturing of any drugs are all in conjunction with the same statute, with penalties that may differ based on the associated drug.

Possession with the intent to distribute will be determined based on weight. A finding of greater than one ounce of marijuana or one gram of cocaine will take you from a simple possession charge to possession with intent to distribute.

In order to make a conviction, the prosecution must prove this intent to distribute which can be shown in a variety of ways. Evidence such as baggies, packaging of the drug and any statements made by the defendant that were recorded can be used, combined with the weight of the drug in question, to prove intent to distribute.

If you are arrested and have a prior drug conviction, you potentially face a mandatory prison sentence in both State and Federal Court. If you are convicted of any drug charge, another drug offense charge regardless of the charge will be a second drug offense, even if the drugs or charges involved differ from the first offense.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Drug Bust Charges

Drug bust charges, including methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or prescription drugs, need to be examined from every angle, and in many cases are subject to mandatory minimum sentences. Aggressive representation can protect your future. Drug crime charges and drug busts in South Carolina are very serious. The drug possession and drug trafficking lawyers at the Strom Law Firm, LLC,  include a former United States Attorney and Richland County Assistant Solicitor, a former Public Defender, and a former Assistant Attorney General and Richland County Assistant Solicitor. Mr. Strom has been given an AV-Rating, the highest ranking possible, from the respected legal guide Martindale-Hubble. If you have been charged with possession, trafficking, or manufacturing drugs, the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm can help. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case, so contact us today by calling (803)252-4800.