Two alleged drug dealers had firearms and body armor in a home near Tabor City.
The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office reported that Rico Antonio Smith, 37, and Forest Dean Bielinski, 28, were arrested after citizen complaints launched an investigation at 2434 Peacock Rd., Tabor City. CCSO reported “numerous” tips about suspicious activity at the home.
On Jan. 6, the CCSO executed a search warrant on the home and outbuildings. Beilinski and Smith were at the property when it was hit, and taken into custody.
Detectives found $20,000 worth of marijuana, cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, oxycodone, buprenorphine, suboxone and MDMA, according to a press release. They also found a shotgun and two rifles, four handguns, $7,000 in cash, a gas mask and a “bulletproof vest.”
The men were held under $225,000 secured bond each.
Smith was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver heroin, cocaine, marijuana, MDMA and prescription drugs; three counts trafficking by possession; possession of a firearm by a felon; and maintaining a dwelling for drug activities.
Bielinski faces the same charges, along with resisting an officer.
“We see more citizens wanting to take back their communities from criminal activity,” Sheriff Jody Greene said in a press release. “We thank everyone for the tips. Please keep them coming. We have a long way to go, but with the citizens’ help, together, we can take back our county.”
