Nearly $50,000 worth of marijuana, guns confiscated in Midlands drug busts

Two drug busts on Jan. 11 led to multiple arrests, charges and the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office confiscating nearly $50,000 worth of marijuana.

In one incident, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office intercepted a package containing nearly 5 pounds of marijuana – valued at about $34,000 – and conducted a controlled delivery at a residence in the 4200 block of Hickory Road in Sumter.

A stolen vehicle was discovered behind the residence, according to the sheriff’s office, adding warrants were issued for Rondell Deandre Harriett, 25, who turned himself in to law enforcement Wednesday.

The Sumter resident was charged with manufacturing or possessing other substances in Schedules I, II and III with intent to distribute and possession of, concealing, selling or disposing of a stolen vehicle valued at $10,000 or more.

Harriett was held at the Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center, before being released on $7,500 bond, plus monitoring.

In a second incident on Jan. 11, a deputy stopped a vehicle on St. Mark Circle off of St. Paul Church Road in Sumter County, and reported the smell of marijuana emitting from the vehicle, according to the sheriff’s office.

A search revealed about 1.5 pounds of marijuana, valued at about $13,600, according to the sheriff’s office, as well as a 9mm pistol and an assault rifle.

Jamerson Jamel Alston, 30, and Steven Earl Bracey, 29, were each charged with manufacturing or possessing other substances in Schedules I, II and III with intent to distribute.

The weapons were also seized, according to the sheriff’s office.

Both Sumter residents have been released on $2,500 bonds.

This story was originally published January 25, 2018 at 5:37 PM with the headline "Nearly $50,000 worth of marijuana, guns confiscated in Midlands drug busts."