Berkeley County deputies seize 2 pounds of meth during traffic stop

In a major drug bust in Berkeley County, South Carolina, two men were arrested on Monday night after police found a large amount of methamphetamine during a routine traffic stop. The seizure, made by the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Task Force, is being called a major step in their ongoing fight against illegal drug trafficking in the area.

The drugs, weighing around 911 grams, or approximately two pounds, were found after deputies stopped a vehicle linked to an active drug investigation.

Traffic Stop Leads to Major Drug Discovery

According to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, their Narcotics Task Force was conducting an investigation when they decided to pull over a car that was connected to the case. When deputies approached the vehicle, they noticed what they described as “indicators of criminal activity.”

The two people inside the car were identified as Ryan Carl Newman and Preston Goldie Long, both aged 35 and from Summerville, South Carolina.

K9 Alert and Vehicle Search

When the suspects refused to allow a voluntary search of their vehicle, deputies brought in a K9 unit to perform a “free air sniff” around the car. The dog alerted the officers, giving them probable cause to carry out a full vehicle search.

That’s when they discovered the large stash of methamphetamine, weighing over 900 grams. Both suspects were immediately taken into custody.

Charges Filed Against the Suspects

Ryan Carl Newman has been charged with trafficking methamphetamine – 400 grams or more.

Preston Goldie Long is also facing the same meth trafficking charge. In addition, he has a probation violation charge from the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services.

Sheriff’s Statement on the Seizure

Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis praised the work of the deputies and the K9 team, saying, “This is a significant seizure that highlights the dedication of our Narcotics Task Force and K-9 teams in combating the flow of dangerous narcotics into our communities.”

He also added that their focus remains on proactive drug enforcement to protect local residents from the harm caused by illegal drugs.

Multi-Agency Task Force Involved

The Berkeley County Narcotics Task Force includes officers from several local departments — the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, Goose Creek Police Department, Hanahan Police Department, and Moncks Corner Police Department. This combined force works together to track and stop the illegal drug trade throughout the region.

This drug bust in Berkeley County is a strong example of how local law enforcement agencies are working together to fight the drug problem. The seizure of nearly two pounds of methamphetamine is a serious win for public safety and shows that the Narcotics Task Force is serious about keeping dangerous substances off the streets. With continued efforts and cooperation between departments, the community can hope for a safer and more secure future.

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