A joint effort by U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Sheriff’s Office led to the detention of several suspects Thursday, including two alleged drug offenders.
ICE did not immediately return a request for comment. The CCSO referred questions to ICE but did confirm the arrests of two individuals on drug charges during the operation.
A Latino advocacy organization said online that “at least 10” drivers and passengers were detained as part of a 287G cooperative program effort.
Luis Uriel Aquilar, 31, of Dragon Circle, Conway, was held under no bond in the Columbus County Detention Center after the checkpoint. He was charged with two counts of trafficking cocaine, maintaining a 2001 GMC for drug activities, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, carrying a concealed firearm (Glock handgun), and resisting an officer, according to detention center records.
Francisco Quezado Barrios, 39, of Whiteville, was held under $50,000 bond, charged with two counts trafficking cocaine, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. His exact address in Whiteville was not available on court documents. Barrios allegedly had a CZ handgun concealed on his person.
