Anderson County, SC – Law enforcement officials in Anderson County have seized over 23 pounds of methamphetamine and charged two individuals following a large-scale drug trafficking operation. The investigation, led by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, uncovered a major narcotics distribution effort operating within the region.
The Incident: Drug Package Intercepted by Investigators
According to investigators, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and Anderson County Sheriff’s Office detectives intercepted a package containing more than 23 pounds of methamphetamine earlier this year. The discovery triggered a broader investigation into drug trafficking operations in the area.
Following the seizure, detectives obtained a search warrant in September, which led them to a residence on Twig Lane, where additional narcotics and cash were found.
Officials described the bust as one of the largest methamphetamine seizures in recent months for Anderson County, emphasizing its significance in disrupting local drug distribution networks.
Investigation and Evidence Collected
During the search, law enforcement officers uncovered 1,445 grams of methamphetamine—approximately three pounds—and thousands of dollars in cash, believed to be proceeds from drug sales.
“This case represents a strong partnership between local and state agencies working together to keep dangerous narcotics off our streets,” investigators said in a statement.
Authorities said the investigation was part of an ongoing effort to dismantle meth distribution networks that target vulnerable communities across South Carolina.
Arrests and Charges Filed
As a result of the operation, two suspects were arrested and formally charged:
- Chadwick Montez Hill
- Boutsharday Coley
Both individuals face charges of trafficking methamphetamine and distribution within proximity to a school, which carry enhanced penalties under South Carolina law.
Detectives reported that Hill remains in custody at the Anderson County Detention Center, while Coley’s custody status has not been publicly confirmed.
Additional Charges Against Hill
Authorities revealed that Hill faces several additional charges connected to the investigation, including:
- Possession of a weapon during a violent crime
- Three counts of possession of a weapon by a convicted felon
These charges indicate that firearms were recovered during the search, further increasing the severity of the case. Law enforcement officials emphasized that weapons and narcotics combined pose significant risks to both the community and responding officers.
“The presence of firearms in drug operations creates dangerous conditions not just for officers but for families living nearby,” an official with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office stated.
Background and Context
South Carolina law enforcement agencies have reported a rise in meth trafficking cases throughout the Upstate region in recent years. According to state data, methamphetamine remains one of the most trafficked illegal substances in South Carolina, often linked to organized interstate operations.
Officials say multi-agency cooperation, including SLED’s intelligence sharing and county-level enforcement, has been critical in identifying large-scale suppliers and cutting off local distribution routes.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and additional arrests or charges could follow. Investigators are also working to identify other individuals who may be connected to the meth distribution network.
Hill and Coley will appear in Anderson County Court at a later date for bond hearings and preliminary proceedings. If convicted, they could face decades in prison under South Carolina’s strict trafficking statutes.
Conclusion
The seizure of 23 pounds of methamphetamine marks a major victory for Anderson County authorities in their continued fight against narcotics trafficking. Law enforcement leaders say the case serves as a reminder that collaborative operations between state and local agencies remain essential to keeping dangerous drugs and weapons out of South Carolina communities.
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