When a South Carolina K-9 deputy noticed a speeding vehicle with tinted windows on a recent Sunday morning, the car was pulled off the road. Suspicion was raised when neither the 30-year-old driver nor her 57-year-old passenger was able to produce identification. Upon investigation, the deputy established that there was an outstanding warrant for the arrest of the passenger. The warrant related to a prior drug trafficking charge.
This information, along with some unspecified evidence of drug use in the vehicle, caused the deputy to suspect that there might be drugs in the vehicle. An initial search produced suspected methamphetamine, four firearms and a large amount of cash. All items were seized. Both suspects were detained pending arrest warrants.
Both individuals now face drug trafficking charges. While the driver allegedly had only 10 to 28 grams of methamphetamine, the passenger was apparently found to have in excess of 400 grams in his possession. He was also charged with weapons crimes for unlawfully carrying a pistol, and possession of a firearm during a violent crime. He was also booked on the existing drug trafficking warrant.
In order to protect their legal rights, South Carolina residents who face drug trafficking charges may benefit from retaining the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Anybody who is accused of a criminal offense has the right to impartial and fair treatment. The procedures of officers during the traffic stop and the subsequent search will be scrutinized to determine whether the rights of the accused individuals were violated. A lawyer will address any legal issues before the court and otherwise work to protect all of the legal rights of the client throughout the entirety of the criminal proceedings.
Source: wjbf.com, “Methamphetamine Traffickers Arrested By K-9 Handler During Aiken County Traffic Stop“, Randy L. Key, July 6, 2015
