Ongoing aggressive patrols in the eastern part of Columbus led to drug charges for a Bladen County man April 1.
Bruce Spencer, 46, of 531 McKoy Loop Rd., Ivanhoe, was charged with three counts each of trafficking in methamphetamine and cocaine; possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine, meth, marijuana and marijuana wax; maintaining a vehicle for drug activities, and possession of paraphernalia. He was held under a $200,000 secured bond, according to a sheriff’s office press release.
Members of the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Heavy Enforcement Action Team (H.E.A.T.) were conducting a checking station near the intersection of General Howe Highway and Old Lake Road as part of ongoing proactive enforcement efforts April 1, according to the release.
Spencer was driving a truck that came through the checking station. His passengers were Rese Beatty and Gyrell Munn.
“While speaking with the occupants, deputies detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle,” the report said.
A subsequent search turned up methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, and marijuana wax.
Sheriff Bill Rogers stated, “Our H.E.A.T. continues to take a proactive approach in targeting illegal drug activity throughout Columbus County. Operations like this are a direct response to community concerns, and we remain committed to identifying those involved in the distribution of narcotics and holding them accountable.”
Beatty and Moon were not charged.
The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office will continue conducting checking stations and saturation patrols as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance roadway safety and reduce criminal activity within the county, Rogers said.
