Horry County Police Arrest 88 in Major Drug and Retail Crime Sweep

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Police conducting a crime investigation at a retail location in Horry County.

News Summary

In a significant crackdown on organized crime, Horry County police arrested 88 individuals linked to drug and retail crimes in a two-day operation. The police targeted popular shopping areas including the Tanger Outlets and Walmart, leading to multiple arrests and a substantial recovery of firearms and drugs. This operation is part of a broader campaign to combat rising crime levels in the area, with efforts involving various law enforcement agencies that aim to enhance community safety.

Horry County Police Round Up 88 Individuals in a Major Drug and Retail Crime Operation

In an exciting development for residents of Horry County, local law enforcement has taken a bold step against organized crime with a recent operation that shook up the community. Over the course of just two days, Horry County police targeted organized retail crime, leading to a significant impact in the area.

Operation at Tanger Outlets and Walmart

The operation focused on the bustling Tanger Outlets and the North Kings Highway Walmart, two of the most popular shopping spots in the region. The police efforts resulted in the arrest of eight individuals specifically in relation to retail crimes. These arrests brought about a total of 26 charges against the suspects, highlighting the seriousness of the issues at hand.

Seized Items Paint a Grim Picture

During the operation, police recovered a staggering array of items. What they uncovered included:

Three firearms
34.4 grams of methamphetamine
39.5 grams of fentanyl
11.2 grams of cocaine
1.13 pounds (591.7 grams) of marijuana

This impressive haul indicates that law enforcement is cracking down on not only retail crime but also the drugs that often accompany it. Such seizures reflect the town’s ongoing battle against illegal activities that threaten the safety of its residents.

Who Were the Suspects?

The individuals arrested during this operation have been identified as:

Tyrik A. Hanton
Jaquise S. Robinson
Donald B. Benson
Jason R. Olson
Christina L. McCormack
Demetric L. Gray
Daniel R. Bennett
Laterra S. Francis

This diverse group reflects a trend of criminality that the Horry County Police Department is keen on tackling as they continue their mission to make the area a safer place to thrive.

A Broader Crackdown on Violent Crime

However, the retail crime operation was just part of a broader two-week task force operation that resulted in a staggering 80 arrests for various violent crimes across Horry County. Among those taken into custody were 40 gang members, underscoring the link between organized crime and violent activities in the area. Police noted that several of the arrestees had affiliate ties to gangs, some shockingly young.

Also captured during this massive effort were 58 illegal firearms, a stark reminder of the ongoing dangers posed by such weapons in the hands of criminals. The collaborative investigation involved multiple agencies, including the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, U.S. Marshals Service, DEA, ATF, and U.S. Homeland Security, all working together to track various violent crimes which comprised serious offenses such as murders, attempted murders, home invasions, carjackings, and drive-by shootings.

Ongoing Efforts to Combat Crime

The HCPD’s determined work reflects a deep commitment to combatting drug trafficking and the wave of violent crime negatively affecting the community. This operation, combined with their ongoing efforts, signifies a strong stand against crime in Horry County. Staying vigilant and working hand-in-hand with various law enforcement agencies is crucial for maintaining community safety.

As residents observe these activities unfold, there is hope that such decisive actions will contribute to a more secure neighborhood for everyone. The recent raid may signal a turning point in how authorities deal with retail crime and the devastating effects of drug trafficking. With the police stepping up their game, the local community can hold on to a bit of optimism as they move forward.