Deputies with the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office assisted in a multi-agency drug enforcement effort in neighboring Sumter County that authorities say resulted in dozens of arrests and the seizure of more than $1.5 million worth of illegal drugs during a recent 90-day period.
According to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, the operations took place between Nov. 24, 2025, and Feb. 25, 2026, and involved coordinated efforts between the agency’s patrol, traffic, investigations and narcotics divisions along with local, state and federal partners.
Sheriff Anthony Dennis said the effort led to 42 arrests, including three individuals who were wanted by law enforcement. Eight people were charged with trafficking fentanyl, while 17 others were arrested on charges of possession with intent to distribute drugs.
Authorities reported seizing more than $1.1 million worth of marijuana and approximately $200,000 worth of cocaine during the operation.
Investigators also confiscated more than $115,000 worth of heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl, along with additional illegal drugs including psilocybin mushrooms, MDMA (ecstasy), Suboxone and more than 300 pills of a controlled substance.
In addition to drugs, deputies seized more than $288,000 in cash, recovered 400 pounds of stolen copper wire and confiscated five illegal poker machines, according to the sheriff’s office.
Dennis credited the success of the operation to collaboration between multiple agencies.
“Our operations to target illegal drugs in Sumter County are multifaceted, proactive and ongoing,” Dennis said in a statement. “A great deal of planning and logistics is required to be successful, especially when we are working with additional agencies.”
The Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office was among 11 agencies assisting in the operation.
Other participating agencies included the Department of Homeland Security, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and its air unit, sheriff’s offices from Aiken, Florence, Greenville and Orangeburg counties, the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the South Carolina Department of Transportation Police.
Dennis said law enforcement will continue focusing on illegal drug activity in the region.
“Our work never ends,” Dennis said. “We will continue to devote ourselves to keeping the citizens of Sumter County safe.”
