After complaints about open air drug sales at Lake Waccamaw, Columbus County Vice-Narcotics agents arrested an alleged customer and dealer July 14.
Conrad Demetrius Powell, 51, and Ernest Jerome Bland, 46, were spotted completing an alleged drug deal in the Hills Shopping Center parking lot, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Vice-Narcotics agents were investigating complaints about drug deals in the Lake Waccamaw area when they observed what appeared to be a hand-to-hand transaction.
“Investigators then converged onto the suspect vehicle and detained the two individuals,” the CCSO said in a press release. A firearm and crack cocaine were located during a search of the men and the vehicle.
Powell, of 302 Chaunceytown Road, Lake Waccamaw was charged with two counts of sale and delivery of cocaine, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver the drug, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He received a $3,500 secured bond.
Bland, of 15181 Sam Potts Hwy., Bolton, charged with carrying a concealed firearm, warrants and reports show. His bond was set at $5,000.
“It does not matter where narcotics are sold in Columbus County,” Sheriff Jody Greene said in the press release. “The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office are dedicated to putting a stop to narcotics sales and distribution.”
