Major Drug Busts Rock Florence County

Law enforcement officers conduct searches during drug bust operations on the highways of Florence County.

News Summary

Florence County has witnessed significant drug busts resulting in the arrest of three men facing serious trafficking charges. Law enforcement’s vigilance has exposed alarming quantities of illegal narcotics, including cocaine and fentanyl, amidst separate traffic stops on Interstate 95. These operations are part of ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the community, ultimately aiming to promote safety and awareness among residents.

Major Drug Busts Rock Florence County

In a shocking turn of events, Florence County has found itself at the center of multiple drug busts leading to the arrest of three men on serious trafficking charges. Authorities have been on high alert lately, and these arrests are a testament to their relentless efforts to keep the community safe.

Cocaine on the Highways

The first major arrest came as a 50-year-old man named Johnny Bunkley III from Georgia was taken into custody after a traffic stop on Interstate 95. The incident unfolded on a Thursday when deputies noticed Bunkley’s vehicle speeding at a high rate. This prompted them to pull him over. What happened next shocked everyone involved. A K-9 unit was brought in, which promptly signaled the presence of drugs.

Upon searching Bunkley’s vehicle, deputies discovered a shocking 11 pounds of cocaine. This amount carries an estimated street value of $500,000! Bunkley is currently held at the Florence County Detention Center, and his bond has not yet been set. It seems the authorities are taking this matter very seriously.

Two Local Men in Hot Water

In a separate but equally concerning incident, deputies arrested two men from Florence—Rasheem Chestnut, 33, and Jaquell McCullum, 32—on January 2, also following a traffic stop. It seems the deputies had a hunch that something wasn’t quite right, and they were right. Allegations surfaced that the two men were in possession of illegal narcotics.

Rasheem Chestnut, who has a criminal record, was found with a firearm alongside the drugs. His charges are extensive and include:

Trafficking in fentanyl
Possession of controlled substances
Possession with intent to distribute cocaine
Trafficking in methamphetamine
Possession of cocaine base
Possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

On the other hand, McCullum’s charges include:

Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute (within proximity of a school)
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Possession with intent to distribute marijuana
Trafficking in fentanyl

Both men are currently being held at the Florence County Detention Center without bond. The severity of their charges underscores the serious issues surrounding drug trafficking in the area.

Another Arrest on the Interstate

Bashiri Olugbala Powell, a 45-year-old man from North Carolina. Powell was also pulled over on Interstate 95, but this time for two moving violations. Although he avoided arrest for the traffic infractions, things took a turn when deputies discovered something alarming during a search of his vehicle.

Thanks to a K-9 alert, deputies found a kilogram of cocaine cleverly hidden under the driver’s seat. The street value of this hidden stash is estimated to be up to $150,000. Powell now faces charges for trafficking cocaine (400 grams or more) and is held at the Florence County Detention Center. His bond is yet to be set, and a court appearance is scheduled for December 18. If found guilty, he could face up to 30 years in prison and a hefty $200,000 fine.

Community Impact and Awareness

These incidents highlight the ongoing drug crisis affecting towns and cities across the country. The swift actions taken by law enforcement aim to stem the tide of illegal drugs and keep communities safer. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities they may observe.

Florence County may be facing some serious challenges ahead, but with dedicated law enforcement on the case, there is hope for a brighter future!