Lexington Couple Arrested on Drug Charges After Huge Marijuana Growing Operation Discovered

A couple from Lexington, SC was arrested over the weekend after drug officers followed up on a tip that the pair ran a marijuana trafficking operation out of their home. The marijuana growing operation was a sophisticated indoor setup.

On Friday, July 26^th, officers from the Lexington County Multi-Agency Narcotics Enforcement Team (NET) went to the home of John Steve Tindall and his wife Brenda Darlene Tindall, both 49 years old. The couple’s property included the house they lived in, along with an older home and a building that the couple used for their huge marijuana growing operation.

During the search, officers discovered 154 marijuana plants, 15 pounds of marijuana, and 6 firearms. The marijuana’s total estimated worth is $320,000.

When officers approached the house, they reported smelling a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the old home and building. They also saw supplies used for indoor marijuana growing operations in the yard outside. Reportedly, the two buildings had separate rooms for growing, drying, and packing marijuana. Lexington deputies described the operation as highly sophisticated.

Officers arrested the couple on marijuana trafficking charges, which include trafficking more than 10 lbs of marijuana, and possessing a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

Brenda Tindall was released on Saturday on $60,000 bail, and her husband John was released Sunday, also on $60,000 bail.

Anyone with information about illegal drug activity in Lexington County to call the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department at (803) 785-8230 or CrimeStoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC. Citizens also can provide information anonymously by accessing the Crime Tip link on the Sheriff’s Department web site (www.lexingtonsheriff.com).

Marijuana Trafficking and Firearms Charges in South Carolina

Marijuana trafficking penalties can also be impacted based on where the sale took place and to whom the drugs were sold to. Trafficking charges are based upon the weight of the drug you are in possession of:

• Ten grams of cocaine
• Four grams of heroin
• Ten pounds of marijuana

In South Carolina, possession of drugs at this weight or greater is considered trafficking.

Trafficking Marijuana: more than ten pounds, but less than one hundred pounds

• First offense: One to 10 years in prison and
$10,000 in fines;

• Five to 20 years in prison and $15,000 in fines for a second
offense trafficking charge;

• 25 years in prison and $20,000 in fines for a third or
subsequent offense.

If you are charged with trafficking over one hundred pounds of marijuana your possible conviction can result in up to 30 years in prison and $200,000 in fines.

Under Federal Law, anyone who uses, possesses, or carries a firearm during or in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime is subject to a five year mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment. If you are convicted of carrying a firearm, five years will be added to your sentence and it may not be served consecutively with any other count.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Marijuana Trafficking Charges

The marijuana trafficking and possession lawyers at the Strom Law Firm, LLC are dedicated to protecting the rights of our clients, providing aggressive representation grounded in our years of experience building and interpreting the laws of South Carolina. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss the facts of your case. 803.252.4800