FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 22, 2001

CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8755

COLUMBIA - The South Carolina Department of Public Safety announces the seizure of 156 pounds of marijuana with a street value of $375,000 in two traffic stops this week on I-85 in Greenville County.

Shortly after 10 p.m. Wednesday, a trooper from the Highway Patrol ACE Team stopped a 1996 Mazda for speeding on I-85 northbound at the 44 mile marker in Greenville County. An ACE Team K-9 was called in to inspect the vehicle and the trooper found six pounds of marijuana concealed in plastic bags in the trunk. The marijuana has a street value of $15,000.

The driver, Michael Lee Dye, 33, of High Point, N.C., and passenger Donte Arvingle Gilmore, 20, also of High Point, were both arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and conspiracy to distribute marijuana.

Shortly after 11 p.m. Thursday, another ACE Team trooper stopped a 1997 Dodge for speeding on I-85 northbound at the 47 mile marker in Greenville County. An ACE Team K-9 was called in to inspect the vehicle and the trooper found 150 pounds of marijuana concealed in trash bags in the trunk. The marijuana has a street value of $360,000.

The driver, Jeffrey Dwayne Wiles, 37, of Elkin, N.C., and passenger Henry Milton Joyner, 56, of Wilson, N.C., were both arrested and charged with trafficking marijuana and conspiracy to traffic marijuana. Wiles also was charged with possession of an unlawful weapon.

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JB/91/01

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