Traffic Stop Leads to Major Drug Bust with $150,000 Worth of Cocaine in Florence County

Traffic Stop Leads to Major Drug Bust in Florence County

Florence County, South Carolina – In a surprising turn of events that has captured the community’s attention, a North Carolina man has found himself behind bars following a routine traffic stop on Wednesday, October 3rd. The man, identified as Bashiri Olugbala Powell, is facing serious drug trafficking charges after deputies discovered a significant amount of cocaine hidden in his vehicle.

A Routine Traffic Stop Turns Serious

At 1:00 PM, deputies pulled over Powell, a 45-year-old resident of Raleigh, North Carolina, while he was driving north on Interstate 95 near the 163 mile marker. Initially, the reason for the stop revolved around two unspecified moving violations. However, as the traffic stop unfolded, law enforcement officials began to suspect that something more serious was at play.

The details surrounding the specific moving violations remain unclear, but the sheriff’s office reported that “reasonable suspicion” of criminal activity arose during the stop. That suspicion prompted the deputies to conduct a search of Powell’s vehicle, which ultimately led to a shocking discovery.

Major Drug Find

Thanks to the keen nose of a police dog, the search yielded a staggering one kilogram of cocaine cleverly concealed under the driver’s seat. According to estimates provided by the Guardian Recovery Network, a notable organization focused on treating substance use disorders, the street value of this amount of cocaine could reach as high as $150,000.

Following the discovery, Powell was promptly arrested and taken to the Florence County Detention Center. As of now, he remains incarcerated, with no bond set for his release.

Facing Severe Consequences

Powell is currently charged with drug trafficking, specifically trafficking cocaine in quantities of 400 grams or more. South Carolina law stipulates that if convicted, he could face a maximum punishment of up to 30 years in prison alongside a hefty fine of $200,000.

Next Steps for Powell

While the legal proceedings are still unfolding, Powell is scheduled to appear in court again on December 18. As this story develops, the community is left wondering about the implications of this major drug bust and the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the region.

What Does This Mean for the Community?

This situation raises several questions and concerns about drug trafficking not just in Florence County but across the southeastern United States, where I-95 serves as a significant thoroughfare. Local authorities are continuously working to combat such issues and keep the community safe from the dangers posed by illegal drugs.

Officials have emphasized the importance of being vigilant; if you notice anything suspicious, don’t hesitate to report it to the authorities. After all, a simple traffic stop can sometimes unravel a larger web of crime.

Final Thoughts

As we await further developments on this story, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in their fight against drug trafficking. Keep an eye on local news for updates, and remember that when we work together as a community, we can create a safer environment for everyone.