FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 23, 2002
CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8755

COLUMBIA - The South Carolina Department of Public Safety announced that the Highway Patrol seized 5.3 grams of crack cocaine, 126 grams of cocaine and 16 grams of marijuana Wednesday night in Spartanburg County. The cocaine has an estimated street value of $15,000.

The Highway Patrol S.T.O.P. Team was conducting a public safety checkpoint on Powell Mill Road in Spartanburg County last night when a 1984 Ford Thunderbird stopped at the checkpoint shortly before 11 p.m. A trooper observed what appeared to be a bag of crack cocaine in the car. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, troopers discovered and seized the crack cocaine, cocaine and marijuana.

Kobe T. Carter, 27, of Spartanburg, and Gregory A. McHam, 30, of Wellford, were arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, trafficking cocaine, conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Carter also was charged with simple possession of marijuana.

Both men were taken to the Spartanburg County Jail.

JB/77/2002

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