Narcotics Operation

On April 2, 2018 The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office Narcotic Unit executed a search warrant at 650 Penland Rd in Laurens. This search warrant was the result of a month-long undercover operation into the sale of marijuana coming into our County from Colorado. During the investigation, Narcotic Investigators seized over two pounds of marijuana, approximately 40 grams of THC wax (commonly called BHO), vape pens containing THC oil, more than $4000.00 cash, a handgun, a stolen rifle, and a stolen car. The individuals listed on the following pages have been arrested in relation to this investigation; however, more arrests are coming.

Using any type of illegal narcotic is dangerous but the higher THC levels contained in these drugs is especially concerning. This is not the type of marijuana I saw during my career with the SC Highway Patrol. This marijuana is typically not being grown by people in their back yard for personal consumption. This is coming from professionals and the THC levels are alarmingly higher. The BHO wax has extremely high levels of THC which could cause all kinds of problems for someone consuming these products, especially young people and children. Advocates of marijuana argue that it’s a harmless drug; but as you can see from what we confiscated during this operation, illegal drugs, stolen property, and firearms go hand in hand.

During our investigation, we learned that some of the individuals involved in this operation were frequently traveling to Colorado where recreational marijuana is legal. They were purchasing the drugs in Colorado and bringing them back to South Carolina to be distributed within our community. I want to be very clear about this: marijuana is not legal in South Carolina and selling illegal drugs in Laurens County will not be tolerated. If you choose to deal illegal drugs in Laurens County, we will aggressively pursue you and will request the Solicitor's Office to swiftly and aggressively prosecute you.

Sheriff Don Reynolds