Deputies find 15 pounds of marijuana in Camden man’s vehicle

A Camden man is behind bars after Kershaw County deputies found 15 pounds of marijuana in his vehicle, among other drugs, and a stolen firearm, officials said.

Kershaw County Sheriff Jim Matthews said 30-year-old Raymond Quadir Jones Jr. was taken into custody Friday and charged with trafficking marijuana, trafficking crack cocaine, trafficking cocaine, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, possession of a stolen pistol, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and unlawful carrying of a pistol.

Matthews said narcotics investigators received information that Jones was dealing marijuana and other drugs throughout the county. After sporadic surveillance and undercover drug buys, Matthews said investigators were conducting an interview on Jones at a residence located in the 1100 block of Smyrl Circle in Camden, when Jones left the residence in a vehicle.

Investigators followed Jones as he began to drive in an evasive manner and initiated a traffic stop on Jones’ vehicle, Matthews said. Jones then fled from his vehicle on foot, but Matthews said he was apprehended shortly after.

Further investigation of Jones’ vehicle revealed that it contained about 15 pounds of marijuana, 17 grams of crack cocaine and 12 grams of powdered cocaine, Matthews said.

Investigators were also able to recover a stolen, loaded handgun from the vehicle, Matthews said.

Jones was taken to the Kershaw County Detention Center, where he remains on a $250,000 bond.

In addition to the charges he currently faces, Matthews said Jones has also had numerous arrests for drugs, failure to stop for blue lights, breach of peace, resisting arrest and driving under suspension

This story was originally published February 16, 2016 at 11:01 AM.