Two Arrested and Interstate Shut Down After Meth and Bomb Supplies Found in Vehicle

Sumter County authorities arrested a couple from New Hampshire on Wednesday, February 19th, after the couple’s vehicle almost swiped a patrol car and officers discovered a large quantity of meth, other drugs, a gun, and bomb-making supplies.

Interstate 95 was shut down while the couple was arrested on drug and gun charges.

Dean V. Smoronk, 52, and Christina M. Cuozzo, 45, were pulled over after they merged into a lane very close to a Sumter County deputy and almost side-swiped the cruiser. After their vehicle was pulled over, the officer suspected that the couple had drugs in the car, so a K-9 unit was called in to investigate. The unit found suspected meth in Cuozzo’s purse, as well as a large amount of suspected meth in a fake energy drink can. Officers also found a small amount of marijuana, pills, and an unidentified white powder inside a black computer bag.

Further investigation revealed an open bottle of Crown Royal under the driver’s seat, along with $12,529 in cash in some luggage, and inside Cuozzo’s purse.

As they searched through the vehicle for meth making supplies or drug paraphernalia, officers found a brown box with a plumber’s putty container that had gun powder inside, steel shot from shells that had been cut open, clay, a TV remote control, propane cylinder, small jumper cables, and an alarm remote. Because of the hazardous materials, authorities shut down I-95 while the scene was cleaned up.

Smoronk and Cuozzo were arrested on drug and weapons charges and taken to the Sumter/Lee Regional Detention Center without incident. They were each charged with trafficking methamphetamines up to 28 grams, possession of marijuana, possession of controlled substances, and possession of bomb-making materials. Deputies said that further charges were expected.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Meth Lab Drug Crimes Charges

Federal and State drug charges in South Carolina carry some of the stiffest penalties in the nation. When faced with a drug charge, including charges for operating a meth lab, you need a lawyer who knows how the system works and will fight to protect your rights.

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.

Whether you have been charged with:

• Possession of drugs
• Possession with intent to distribute
• Drug trafficking
• Possession of drugs in the proximity of a school
• Prescription Fraud
• Manufacturing Methamphetamine or
• Money laundering

Drug cases, including methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine, 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. 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.