Drugs, firearms, $12K seized, 20 arrested over 3-day operation

Drugs and firearms were removed from the streets last week in Sumter County when law enforcement agencies partnered to serve warrants and set up checkpoints throughout the county.

Sumter County Sheriff's Office, Sumter Police Department and South Carolina Highway Patrol conducted the operation on May 27, May 31 and June 1.

The saturation resulted in the seizure of more than 200 grams of marijuana and three firearms, 30 tickets written and 20 arrests.

Violations and charges included open alcohol containers, driving under suspension, speeding, possession of marijuana, driving without a license and violation of child restraints.

Other than marijuana, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine were also seized during the various stops.

One stop on June 1 involving possession of crack cocaine yielded more than $10,000.

A total of $12,073 was seized, and $21,151 worth of fines were issued on those three days.

Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis said this most recent saturation was one of many operations to help promote safe driving and reduce criminal activity on Sumter County roads.

"The sheriff's office will have more operations in the future," he said.