Major Drug and Firearms Investigation in Charleston Culminates in 10 Arrests
CHARLESTON, S.C. – A significant police operation targeting drug and gun-related crimes has led to the arrest of nine adults and one juvenile in Charleston recently. The police department has been investigating an alleged illegal drugs and firearm distribution network, which this latest operation has successfully disrupted.
Joint Operation
The investigation was a joint effort involving the Charleston Police, North Charleston Police, and the FBI. The officers executed seven search warrants as part of the operation. Confiscated during the operation were approximately 6.2 pounds of marijuana, 153 grams of cocaine, 48 grams of fentanyl, 30 grams of methamphetamine, nearly a gram of heroin, and nine handguns, according to Sgt. Anthony Gibson’s report.
Police Chief Chito Walker expressed strong sentiments regarding the criminal actions that led to the arrests. “The deliberate disregard for our community’s safety and welfare by distributing illegal drugs and narcotics cannot and will not be tolerated,” stated Walker. He emphasized the department’s commitment to using every available resource in order to “protect our community and hold those involved in the illegal drug trade fully accountable.”
Who Were Arrested?
The suspects arrested were as follows:
Kenneth Lee Green, 34,
of North Charleston, is facing charges of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base.
Barry Allen Simmons, 30,
of Charleston, was arrested on charges of intending to distribute cocaine base.
Darius Malloy, 34, and Maurice Malloy, 37,
both of Charleston, are charge with intending to distribute marijuana, with Maurice also charged with possessing a Schedule 2 controlled substance, firearm possession by a convicted violent criminal, and cocaine possession.
Walter Lee Jackson, III, 39, Lloyd Wright, 44, and Quantez Jackson, 23,
all of Charleston, are each charged with trafficking cocaine, trafficking cocaine base, two counts of firearm possession during a violent crime, and intending to distribute marijuana.
James Ryan Felder, 23,
of North Charleston, is facing charges of fentanyl and cocaine base distribution, intention to distribute cocaine base and marijuana, and possession of a machine gun.
Brandon Damante Simmons, 20,
of North Charleston, was arrested for intending to distribute cocaine base.
Finally, a 16-year-old was charged with trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine. The juvenile’s name has been withheld due to his age.
Continued Investigations
The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are to be expected. All accused are currently awaiting trial, with the dates yet to be confirmed. The charges against them reflect the severity of their alleged crimes and the threat they posed to the local community.
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