Sumter deputies seize 6.5 pounds of marijuana worth $48K in one day

About 6.5 pounds of marijuana and two firearms were seized during a traffic stop and an operation where officers delivered a package containing the drug to a residence in the Cherryvale area on Jan. 11.

Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with SLED and other agencies, delivered the package — previously intercepted by deputies — to a Hickory Road residence in the hopes of arresting the suspect, and homeowner, who turned out to not be present. 

The package contained about 5 pounds of marijuana valued at about $34,000, said Ken Bell, public information officer for the sheriff's office.

A vehicle that had been reported stolen was found behind the Cherryvale residence.

Though the suspect, 25-year-old Rondell Harriet, was not at the resident at the time of the operation, the sheriff's office did issue a warrant for his arrest.

Harriet was arrested twice in 2016 during two separate drug operations conducted by the sheriff's office, Bell said.

Harriet turned himself in at Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center on Wednesday after eluding capture for 14 days.

He is charged with manufacturing or possessing other substances in Schedules I, II and III with intent to distribute; and possession of, concealment, sale or disposal of a stolen vehicle valued at $10,000 or more. 

He was released from jail on Wednesday after making a $7,500 surety bond and the added agreement that he will wear an ankle monitor.

Also on Jan. 11, nearly a mile away from the Hickory Road residence, a deputy seized about 1.5 pounds of marijuana, valued at about $13,600, along with a 9mm pistol and an assault rifle during a traffic stop on St. Mark Circle off of St. Paul Church Road.

The deputy reported smelling marijuana coming from the vehicle, Bell said.

Jamerson Alston, 30, of Caldwell Street, and Steven Bracey, 29, of Old Pocalla Road, were both charged with manufacturing or possessing other substances in Schedules I, II and III with intent to distribute. 

Alston and Bracey were taken to Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center and later released — each making a $2,500 surety bond.