Georgetown County, SC – A major narcotics investigation has resulted in the arrest of six individuals after deputies recovered significant quantities of drugs and multiple firearms during a traffic stop and a follow-up search warrant operation. The Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the arrests after receiving a series of citizen complaints that helped launch the targeted operation.
Deputies say the arrests involved fentanyl trafficking, cocaine distribution, illegal firearms, and a range of additional offenses connected to ongoing drug activity in the region. The suspects were taken into custody separately during a traffic stop and a subsequent search of a residence.
Deputies Initiate Traffic Stop Leading to First Arrests
According to the sheriff’s office, the investigation intensified when the Narcotics and Vice Unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle suspected of being involved in illegal drug activity. The driver, identified as Maniel Lathorn Dorsey, immediately attempted to flee on foot.
Deputies quickly caught Dorsey, and a search of the vehicle and surrounding area led to the discovery of a large amount of suspected fentanyl and a firearm.
Dorsey faces multiple charges, including:
- Trafficking fentanyl (first offense)
- Possession with intent to deliver cocaine and marijuana
- Possession of Schedule II controlled substances
- Possession of a weapon during a violent crime
- Possession of a stolen firearm
Inside the vehicle, deputies also located cocaine on two additional occupants: Kimberly Shyann Moore and Kevin Tyrone Palmer. Palmer was also wanted on family court warrants in Georgetown County.
Search Warrant Uncovers Major Quantities of Drugs and Weapons
Following the traffic stop, deputies executed a search warrant at a residence in the 100 block of Hanna Loop, where investigators suspected ongoing drug distribution.
Inside the home, officers discovered:
- Trafficking quantities of fentanyl
- Distribution-level amounts of cocaine and marijuana
- Hydrocodone pills
- Multiple firearms, including at least one confirmed stolen weapon
Three additional suspects were arrested as part of the search warrant operation:
- Roderick Weaver, charged with:
- Trafficking fentanyl (second offense)
- Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person
- Possession with intent to deliver cocaine and marijuana (second offense)
- Possession of Schedule II substances
- Possession of a stolen firearm
- Herbert Leon Moore, charged with possession of cocaine (third offense)
- Catherine Lynn Hughes, who was wanted by Georgetown City Police for financial transaction card fraud
All six suspects were transported to the Georgetown County Jail for booking.
Ongoing Community Concerns Helped Spark the Investigation
Sheriff’s spokesman Jason Lesley confirmed that the operation was launched in response to repeated community complaints about drug activity in the area. Deputies credited residents for reporting suspicious behavior, which helped investigators identify key individuals and locations tied to ongoing narcotics distribution.
In an earlier statement, Lesley said deputies acted swiftly once the surveillance and investigative steps confirmed the trafficking network.
“This operation shows what can be achieved when community members and law enforcement work together,” he emphasized.
Growing Concerns Over Fentanyl Activity in South Carolina
The arrests come amid rising concerns over fentanyl-related incidents in South Carolina. The powerful synthetic opioid has been linked to increasing overdoses statewide, prompting local agencies to intensify enforcement efforts.
Key dangers of fentanyl include:
- Extremely high potency, making overdoses more likely
- Accidental exposure during handling
- Increased distribution through mixed or disguised drug forms
Deputies say busts like this are essential to reducing the flow of fentanyl into communities, especially when combined with citizen reporting and street-level investigations.
Community Impact and Continued Enforcement
Law enforcement officials noted that removing several individuals with repeat drug offenses from the streets is a critical step in curbing trafficking pipelines. The sheriff’s office plans to continue monitoring areas where citizen complaints have been concentrated.
The agency also encourages residents to stay alert and report any suspicious behavior, reaffirming that community involvement remains essential in ongoing drug-prevention efforts.
Conclusion
The coordinated actions of the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office—supported by community reports—led to the successful arrests of six individuals connected to trafficking, drug distribution, and illegal firearms. With large amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, and weapons seized, deputies believe this operation has significantly disrupted local drug activity.
Share your experiences in the comments below.
