News Summary
Recent drug-related arrests in Florence County have left the community buzzing with concern as local law enforcement steps up its efforts to combat illegal drug activities. Multiple arrests have been made, including suspects tied to possession and trafficking of dangerous substances like methamphetamine and fentanyl. With residents feeling both alarmed and relieved, the authorities continue to investigate further leads in the fight against drugs, emphasizing community safety.
Florence County Hits Hard with Drug Arrests: Multiple Suspects in Custody
Florence County is buzzing with news of recent drug-related arrests that shook the community. As the Florence Police Department ramps up its efforts to tackle illegal drug activities in the area, residents are left both alarmed and relieved. It’s a busy week for local law enforcement as multiple arrests were made in connection with serious drug offenses.
Traffic Stop Leads to the Discovery of Drugs
The drama began on Wednesday when police conducted a routine traffic stop in the 600 block of Warley Street. During this critical interception, officers arrested a 48-year-old man named Paul Jones. He now faces a string of drug possession charges. Following the stop, the police obtained a search warrant for Jones’ apartment. What they discovered inside was quite alarming—a stash of illegal drugs, raising eyebrows and concerns in the community.
Jones is currently being held at the Florence County Detention Center while he awaits bond. Just a few hours later, the police were on the move again, this time targeting a home in Effingham, South Carolina, where even more troubling finds awaited them.
Double Trouble in Effingham
On the same day as Jones’ troubling predicament, two individuals were apprehended during an operation at Sillsbury and Tiller’s home on Singletary Drive. The suspects, identified as 38-year-old Ashley Sillsbury and 39-year-old Christopher Tiller, faced multiple charges related to drugs and weapons. A search warrant was executed at their residence, uncovering a substantial cache of illegal substances.
Authorities seized approximately 4.7 grams of methamphetamine, 81.6 grams of fentanyl, and 26.9 grams of cocaine along with an array of stolen items. This alarming discovery has further fueled the ongoing battle against illegal drug trafficking in the area. Like Jones, both Sillsbury and Tiller are now lodged at the Florence County Detention Center, awaiting further legal proceedings.
More Unsettling Findings in Florence, Alabama
This operation resulted in the confiscation of around 56 grams of methamphetamine, 112 grams of cocaine, 500 fentanyl pills, and an eye-popping 168 grams of heroin. The suspects—47-year-old Terry Eugene King, 43-year-old Calvin Dewayne Shelby, and 27-year-old Loren Paige Tatum—now face serious charges including trafficking in multiple drugs and unlawful possession of a controlled substance, further highlighting the critical situation.
A Community on Alert
The combined street value of the drugs uncovered during these operations surpasses a staggering $30,000. With community safety at stake, authorities are working tirelessly to delve deeper into these investigations. As more information comes to light, further charges and additional suspects are anticipated.
Florence County residents find themselves at a crossroads, as these multiple incidents raise questions about community safety and the ongoing battle against drug-related activities. With law enforcement’s vigilant response, many hope for a safer environment in the future. Stay tuned as this story continues to develop, and let’s keep our community informed and engaged.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Florence, S.C. Rocked by Gunfire Incidents and Arrests
Gunshots Erupt on Jarrott Street in Florence, S.C.
Darlington Judge Denies Bond for Jefferey Booker Amid Tension
Tragic Death of Telemundo Reporter Adan Manzano
Florence County on High Alert After Shooting Incident
Multiple Arrests in Florence County for Murder-Related Incidents
Florence County Police Activity Intensifies Following Arrests
Florence County Teen Faces Serious Charges After Bus Stop Incident
Shocking Shooting in Johnsonville Leaves Mother and Daughter Injured
Florence County Street Crime Unit Reports Major Achievements
Additional Resources
- KWTX News
- Wikipedia: Drug Policy
- WMBF News
- Google Search: Florence County drug bust
- WHNT News
- Google Scholar: drug arrests Florence County
- WBTW News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug Trafficking
- WAFF News
- Google News: Florence Alabama drug bust

Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.