Last October, Jerry Ward Galloway, 36, was arrested in his parents’ home after police received a tip about possible drug activity. When they arrived, officers found methamphetamine-making materials, as well as marijuana in plain sight. They also found a trash can in the backyard that had possibly been used as a meth lab, as it tested positive for methamphetamine residue. Officers also found meth in powdered form on Galloway’s person.
Galloway was arrested on charges of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Manufacturing Meth, and Possession of Marijuana.
Now, Galloway has been arrested on drug charges again, including operating a second meth lab in his home.
Someone unnamed in the official report gave officers consent to search the home on Lincoln Street in Earlewood, where police found Galloway hiding in a closet. After searching the home, police found a small amount of liquid methamphetamine, along with several small bags containing heroin, valued at $260.
Galloway is being held again at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. Columbia Police say they will ask for his bond to be revoked.
Manufacturing, Possession, and Distribution of Drugs, Including Meth Labs, Carry Serious Penalties in South Carolina
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.
To convict you for possession with the intent to distribute or sell drugs in South Carolina, the prosecution must prove that you had possession of a specific quantity of drugs. You may also be charged with drug distribution if the drugs even appeared to be packaged for distribution.
Under South Carolina law, the following amounts are sufficient to be charged with possession with the intent to distribute drugs:
- Marijuana: one or more ounces
- Crack Cocaine: one or more grams
- Heroin: two grains
- Cocaine: one or more grams
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.
Lexington County law enforcement officers announced, last fall, that they would begin a campaign to round up criminals who manufactured and distributed drugs, especially methamphetamines. Operations began in October 2012, with at least 13 reported arrests related to meth labs in Lexington County. Throughout January, officers arrested several more suspects for operating meth labs in West Columbia and Lexington. Other counties in South Carolina, such as Richland County and Orangeburg County, are beginning to follow Lexington’s footsteps.
The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Drug Crimes Charges for Meth Labs
Drug crime charges and meth lab busts in South Carolina are very serious. If you have been charged with possession, trafficking, or manufacturing drugs, including manufacturing at a meth lab, 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.