There have been several stories in the news recently about drug busts around the state. Local and federal authorities are on a mission to end the drug trade in South Carolina, which seems to have grown in the past several years. With their desire to bring those involved in the business of illegal drugs to justice, several people from across the state have been arrested and are currently facing charges in drug court for their supposed connection to this drug activity.
The most recent bust has taken place in Aiken. A total of 11 people have been arrested after local and federal authorities supplied search warrants for a local residence. During the search, police supposedly found drugs, weapons, cash and several cell phones. Three children were also found and removed from the home and are currently being cared for by the state.
Of all those arrested, six were found in the residence being searched and all six are facing drug-related charges. These charges include possession, intent to distribute, violent crimes, weapons possession and child neglect. The other five people arrested were neighbors who supposedly interfered with the search and investigation. They have been charged with failure to comply and disorderly conduct. At this time, it is unknown if bond has been set for any of the individuals arrested in this case.
Drug charges and interfering with officers are both very serious offenses in South Carolina. Between fines and jail/prison time, being convicted of these charges could do a lot of damage to a person’s life. All those arrested in this recent bust are entitled to present a defense in both criminal and drug court. It is up to the prosecution to provide a significant amount of proof that all these individuals were involved in the supposed crimes. If they fail in doing so, charges would likely be lessened or dropped.
Source: chronicle.augusta.com, 11 arrested in Aiken during drug probe, Bianca Cain Johnson, March 7, 2014