News Summary
Florence County has witnessed significant drug busts resulting in the arrest of three men facing serious trafficking charges. Law enforcement’s vigilance has exposed alarming quantities of illegal narcotics, including cocaine and fentanyl, amidst separate traffic stops on Interstate 95. These operations are part of ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the community, ultimately aiming to promote safety and awareness among residents.
Major Drug Busts Rock Florence County
In a shocking turn of events, Florence County has found itself at the center of multiple drug busts leading to the arrest of three men on serious trafficking charges. Authorities have been on high alert lately, and these arrests are a testament to their relentless efforts to keep the community safe.
Cocaine on the Highways
The first major arrest came as a 50-year-old man named Johnny Bunkley III from Georgia was taken into custody after a traffic stop on Interstate 95. The incident unfolded on a Thursday when deputies noticed Bunkley’s vehicle speeding at a high rate. This prompted them to pull him over. What happened next shocked everyone involved. A K-9 unit was brought in, which promptly signaled the presence of drugs.
Upon searching Bunkley’s vehicle, deputies discovered a shocking 11 pounds of cocaine. This amount carries an estimated street value of $500,000! Bunkley is currently held at the Florence County Detention Center, and his bond has not yet been set. It seems the authorities are taking this matter very seriously.
Two Local Men in Hot Water
In a separate but equally concerning incident, deputies arrested two men from Florence—Rasheem Chestnut, 33, and Jaquell McCullum, 32—on January 2, also following a traffic stop. It seems the deputies had a hunch that something wasn’t quite right, and they were right. Allegations surfaced that the two men were in possession of illegal narcotics.
Rasheem Chestnut, who has a criminal record, was found with a firearm alongside the drugs. His charges are extensive and include:
- Trafficking in fentanyl
- Possession of controlled substances
- Possession with intent to distribute cocaine
- Trafficking in methamphetamine
- Possession of cocaine base
- Possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
On the other hand, McCullum’s charges include:
- Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute (within proximity of a school)
- Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
- Possession with intent to distribute marijuana
- Trafficking in fentanyl
Both men are currently being held at the Florence County Detention Center without bond. The severity of their charges underscores the serious issues surrounding drug trafficking in the area.
Another Arrest on the Interstate
Thanks to a K-9 alert, deputies found a kilogram of cocaine cleverly hidden under the driver’s seat. The street value of this hidden stash is estimated to be up to $150,000. Powell now faces charges for trafficking cocaine (400 grams or more) and is held at the Florence County Detention Center. His bond is yet to be set, and a court appearance is scheduled for December 18. If found guilty, he could face up to 30 years in prison and a hefty $200,000 fine.
Community Impact and Awareness
These incidents highlight the ongoing drug crisis affecting towns and cities across the country. The swift actions taken by law enforcement aim to stem the tide of illegal drugs and keep communities safer. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities they may observe.
Florence County may be facing some serious challenges ahead, but with dedicated law enforcement on the case, there is hope for a brighter future!
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Florence County Authorities Arrest Three in Major Drug Bust at Local Home
Big Drug Bust in Florence County Shakes the Area
Florence County Deputies Seize $500,000 Worth of Marijuana in Major Drug Bust on Interstate 95
Big Drug Bust in Florence County Nets 250 Pounds of Marijuana
Traffic Stop in Florence County Leads to Major Cocaine Bust and Arrest
Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Man jailed after cocaine bust on I-95
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug Trafficking
- WMBF News: Florence County drug bust lands 2 in jail
- Google Search: Drug Bust Florence County
- WPDE: Florida woman arrested in Florence drug trafficking
- MSN: Florence County drug bust lands 2 in jail
- The State: Major drug bust in Florence County
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.
