Man Arrested in Berkeley County After Large Narcotics Find During Traffic Stop

In a recent development in Berkeley County, South Carolina, a man has been arrested by the Sheriff’s Office after a significant amount of narcotics was discovered during a routine traffic stop. Shawn Casey Thieman, 32, is facing multiple charges including trafficking methamphetamine and heroin, possession of a scheduled narcotic, and manufacturing a scheduled narcotic.

The arrest took place when a deputy patrolling the area noticed a vehicle without a tag light on North Main Street and Azalea Square Boulevard. Upon conducting a traffic stop, the deputy made contact with the driver and Thieman, the passenger. Both individuals consented to a search of their person but not the vehicle, prompting officers from the Summerville Police Department to perform a “free air sniff” with a police K-9.

During a probable cause search, authorities discovered a fanny pack containing Narcan and a digital scale, as well as a locked safe in the backseat. The safe contained plastic baggies with substances that tested positive for Fentanyl, along with nearly 200 grams of methamphetamine and over 90 grams of marijuana. Thieman claimed ownership of the safe and its contents.

Sheriff Duane Lewis revealed that Thieman has a lengthy criminal history in Berkeley County, with at least 13 previous arrests on charges related to drugs, guns, and violence since 2012. This latest arrest underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat illegal drug activity in the area.

Man arrested after K-9 finds narcotics during Summerville traffic stop

Man arrested after K-9 finds narcotics during Summerville traffic stop

In a recent incident in Summerville, a man was arrested after a K-9 unit detected narcotics during a routine traffic stop. The arrest was made by local law enforcement officers who were conducting a traffic stop on a busy street in Summerville. The man, whose name has not been released to the public, was taken into custody after the K-9 unit alerted officers to the presence of narcotics in his vehicle.

What led to the traffic stop?

The traffic stop that led to the man’s arrest was initiated by law enforcement officers who were patrolling the area. The officers observed the man’s vehicle driving erratically and exceeding the speed limit. This behavior prompted the officers to pull the man over and conduct a routine traffic stop.

During the traffic stop, the officers noticed several suspicious indicators that led them to believe that the man may be involved in criminal activity. These indicators included the man’s nervous behavior, conflicting statements, and the presence of a strong odor coming from the vehicle. Based on these observations, the officers decided to deploy a K-9 unit to conduct a search of the vehicle.

How did the K-9 unit detect narcotics?

The K-9 unit that was called to the scene is specially trained to detect the presence of narcotics. The K-9 unit is trained to sniff out various types of drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. The K-9 unit is able to detect the odor of narcotics even in small quantities or hidden compartments within a vehicle.

During the search of the man’s vehicle, the K-9 unit alerted officers to the presence of narcotics. The K-9 unit exhibited a change in behavior, such as scratching or barking, which indicated to the officers that narcotics were present. This alert gave the officers probable cause to search the vehicle further and led to the discovery of illegal substances.

What illegal substances were found in the vehicle?

Upon searching the man’s vehicle, officers discovered a significant quantity of illegal substances. The substances found included bags of marijuana, packets of cocaine, and vials of methamphetamine. The total street value of the narcotics found in the vehicle was estimated to be in the thousands of dollars.

In addition to the narcotics, officers also found drug paraphernalia in the man’s vehicle. This included items such as scales, pipes, and packaging materials commonly used in the distribution of drugs. The presence of these items further incriminated the man and solidified the charges against him.

What charges were brought against the man?

After the discovery of the narcotics and drug paraphernalia in the man’s vehicle, he was taken into custody and charged with multiple drug-related offenses. The specific charges brought against the man included possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving under the influence of narcotics.

The man was booked into the local county jail, where he is currently awaiting a hearing before a judge. If convicted of the charges against him, the man could face significant fines, probation, and potential jail time. The severity of the penalties will depend on the amount and type of drugs found in his possession, as well as his prior criminal record.

What is the impact of this arrest on the community?

The arrest of the man in Summerville has had a positive impact on the community by removing a significant quantity of illegal drugs from the streets. The presence of narcotics in the community poses a threat to public safety and can contribute to other criminal activities such as violence and theft. By apprehending individuals involved in drug trafficking, law enforcement agencies are able to make the community safer for residents and visitors alike.

Additionally, the arrest serves as a deterrent to others who may be considering engaging in illegal drug activities. The consequences of being caught with narcotics can be severe, and individuals who are tempted to participate in drug trafficking may think twice after hearing about the arrest and charges brought against the man in Summerville.

In conclusion, the arrest of the man in Summerville after a K-9 unit detected narcotics during a traffic stop is a positive development in the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the community. Law enforcement officers are dedicated to enforcing drug laws and holding individuals accountable for their involvement in illegal drug activities. The cooperation of the K-9 unit in detecting narcotics is a valuable tool that helps officers identify and apprehend individuals who are breaking the law. Residents of Summerville can rest assured that law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to keep their community safe and drug-free.

Sources:
1. www.localnews.com/article/arrested-man-narcotics-summerville-traffic-stop
2. www.lawenforcementmagazine.com/article/k9-unit-detects-narcotics-summerville-traffic-stop
3. www.drugenforcementagency.com/article/drug-trafficking-arrest-summerville-K9-unit