Other white stuff found in drug bust during winter storm, South Carolina sheriff says
Two women were caught in the act during one of the largest drug busts in the history of Orangeburg County, according to the sheriff’s office.
“We actually came in while the crack cocaine was being cooked,” Sheriff Leroy Ravenell said Tuesday in a news release. “Surprise! And a very Happy New Year to you!”
The drug bust happened Jan. 10 at an Acola Lane home in the Holly Hill area during a winter storm, according to the release.
“This operation was executed at the height of the snow, slush and sleet last week,” Ravenell said.
During a search of the home, deputies found 4.4 pounds of marijuana, 440 various pills, large quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine, and 6 pounds of methamphetamine, according to the release.
Drusilla Atherton, a 55-year-old Summerton resident, and G-Ania Little, a 27-year-old Holly Hill resident, were arrested, the sheriff’s office said.
Both Atherton and Little were charged with trafficking meth, possession with intent distribute Adderall, trafficking heroin, trafficking ecstasy, trafficking cocaine, possession with intent distribute marijuana, possession of a controlled substance (Xanax), possession with intent distribute oxycodone, and possession with intent distribute hydrocodone, according to the release.
Atherton was also charged with driving under suspension (second offense), the sheriff’s office said. Her bond was set at $192,000 on the combined charges and she remains behind bars in the Orangeburg County Detention Center, court records show.
Little’s bond was set at $122,500 for her charges, and she also remains in the county jail, according to court records.
Both women are scheduled to return to court March 19, judicial records show.
There’s a search for a man in connection to the investigation, 44-year-old Holly Hill resident Marcus Guest, the sheriff’s office said. Ravenell insinuated Guest ran away from the Acola Lane home when law enforcement officers conducted the search.
“We have a lot of questions, and he likely has a lot of answers,” Ravenell said. “He may want to come see us rather than taking off through the woods again.”
In addition to members of the sheriff’s office, other agencies involved in the operation include the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the ATF.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREThis is a breaking news story
In a breaking news situation, facts can be unclear and the situation may still be developing. The State is trying to get important information to the public as quickly and accurately as possible. This story will be updated as more information becomes available, and some information in this story may change as the facts become clearer. Refresh this page later for more updated information.
This story was originally published January 15, 2025 at 9:35 AM.
