FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2002
CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8755

COLUMBIA - The South Carolina Department of Public Safety announced that the Highway Patrol ACE Team seized 85 pounds of marijuana and 35 grams of crack in two traffic stops this week.

The Highway Patrol stopped a 2002 Chevrolet for following too closely at the 140 mile marker on I-20 eastbound in Florence County shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday. Troopers discovered 85 pounds of marijuana wrapped in plastic in the rear cargo compartment and third row seat. The marijuana has a street value of $340,000.

The driver fled the scene and is still at large. His passenger, Jessica Freeman, 20, of Florence, has been charged with trafficking marijuana.

The case has been adopted by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Just after midnight Friday morning the Highway Patrol stopped a 1997 Mazda for speeding and weaving out of lane on I-85 northbound at the 43 mile marker in Greenville County. Troopers found 35 grams of crack in the passenger door compartment and a 9-mm Ruger pistol under the front passenger seat.

The driver, Susan Marie Bennett, 38, of Taylors, SC, and passenger Aquarious Pernell Merdith, 26, of Ridgeland, SC, have been charged with trafficking cocaine, conspiracy to traffic cocaine, and felons in possession of a pistol.

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JB/14/02

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