It wasn’t a very merry Christmas for the suspects after information from tipsters and citizens led to the arrest of two alleged meth traffickers Thursday.
Ayla Christine Laney, 34, of Lexington, and Jannie Gore Deans, 49, of Leland, were arrested by the Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit. Both were charged with trafficking methamphetamine by possession and transportation, maintaining a vehicle for drug activity, conspiracy to deliver and conspiracy to sell meth, and simple possession of marijuana. Laney’s bond was set at $250,000, and Deans was held under a bond of $251,500.
Dubbed Operation Bad Santa’s Helpers, the sheriff’s office said in a press release that agents were conducting surveillance on the two suspects due to multiple tips and citizen complaints. The surveillance led to “numerous other locations,” the release said.
When deputies conducted a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle, K9 Gunny indicated the presence of drugs in the car. Deputies found 95 grams of meth and 2.5 grams of marijuana, the report said.
“The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the citizens of Columbus County for the tips and assistance provided,” Sheriff Jody Greene said in the release. “We are glad these gifts didn’t get delivered.”
With the help of K9 Gunny, deputies found 95 grams of meth and 2.5 grams of marijuana in the suspect vehicle. (CCSO photo)
