Sheriff’s deputies in Berkeley County report that they have detained four suspects on drug charges after executing search warrants in Summerville and Goose Creek. Additional warrants have also been issued for two other men after searches in Summerville and Hanahan yielded discoveries of both heroin and marijuana, respectively. Reports say that undercover agents were able to make controlled purchases at one of the homes.
The four men are facing several drug-related charges, including simple possession of marijuana, possession of cocaine, obstruction of justice, possession of stolen property, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and distribution of marijuana. The two men still at large will likely face heroin and marijuana-related charges as well.
As many of these violations threaten potential and significant jail time in South Carolina, the men detained during the searches may want to consult criminal defense lawyers. First offense possession of cocaine is punishable by a prison term of up to two years and a fine of up to $5,000. First offense simple possession of marijuana is punishable by 30 days imprisonment and a fine of up to $200. However, marijuana distribution penalties are much more severe and may include lengthy sentences and stiff fines depending on the amount of marijuana found.
As seized drugs are typically the central element of evidence in a prosecutor’s case for drug crimes, defense lawyers in these cases may likely challenge the legality of the searches performed. They might examine both the execution of the search and the acquisition of the search warrant for legal flaws.
Source: WCSC, “BCSO: 4 arrested, 2 sought after search warrants uncover drugs“, Philip Weiss, June 06, 2014
