Massive Year-Long Drug Bust Operation Leads to 21 Arrests, and 50 Arrest Warrants on Drug Charges.

On Thursday, July 17th, officials in Horry County announced that a year-long investigation into heroin trafficking in Horry and Georgetown counties has led to a drug bust and the arrest of 21 suspects on drug charges, as well as over 50 arrest warrants.

Over the course of two days, 35 law enforcement agents from 6 agencies served 50 arrest warrants for numerous drug charges, including possession and trafficking of heroin and marijuana, as well as gun crimes charges. Police arrested 21 individuals.

The drug bust investigation, called “Operation Beach Sweep,” focused particularly on the Pawley’s Island community. Officials say they believe the success of the operation will significantly change heroin trafficking in the area.

Officers seized several grams of heroin, along with $12,000, more than 67 grams of crack/cocaine, several grams of powder cocaine, and marijuana packaged and ready for sale. Agents also uncovered a marijuana grow operation and seized numerous plants, and confiscated two loaded handguns.

The 15th Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit began the investigation a year ago. While many of the arrested suspects were from Pawley’s Island, several others were from Georgetown and Murrells Inlet.

The drug busting investigation is on-going, however, and several other drug charges suspects are being sought, including: hristopher Douglas Brown and Elijah “Tony” Brown, who were identified as two of the main targets of the investigation.

Drug Trafficking Charges in South Carolina: Cocaine, Marijuana, Heroin

Defendants facing drug penalties in South Carolina can be punished with a monetary fine and mandatory minimum sentences of up to life in prison with no chance of parole, depending on:

•       the amount of drugs involved

•       whether the case is brought in state or federal district court, and

•       how many prior drug offenses a defendant has.

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

Penalties for drug trafficking can include a minimum sentencing of 25 years. Trafficking and distribution offenses are considered violent, no-parole offenses and a conviction can certainly have you serving the full time you are sentenced to.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Drug Charges

Drug 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 arrested on drug charges for 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.