72 suspects sought for drug trafficking in Newberry County

More than 100 law enforcement officers began rounding up 72 suspects Thursday after an investigation of more than a year into illegal narcotics in Newberry County.

Charges include distribution of cocaine, marijuana, meth, heroin and other drugs, officials said.

“Drugs are the root cause of much of the crime we experience,” Sheriff Lee Foster said.

Authorities said the investigation began after tips from residents about problems in their neighborhoods.

By late Thursday, 42 suspects were in custody, officials said. More arrests are expected as the roundup continues through the weekend.