A multi-agency operation targeting marijuana grow operations in four counties located and eliminated more than 3,500 marijuana plants from Fairfield County last week.
According to the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, agents from their office were joined by forces from the Chester County Sheriff’s Office, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, York County Drug Enforcement Unit, S.C. Law Enforcement Division (SLED), S.C. Department of Natural Resources, S.C. Forestry Commission, S.C. National Guard and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Midlands HIDTA Group in an operation that covered Fairfield, Chester, Lancaster and York counties from July 17 – 19.
During the operation, officers located and destroyed a marijuana field containing more than 3,500 marijuana plants near the area of I-77 and Highway 200 in Fairfield County. Evidence suggests that individuals cultivating these plants were living, at least part-time, in the fields. No arrests have been made at this time, the Sheriff’s Office said, and no connection has been made between this operation and local dealers. However, officers are continuing this investigation and are following several leads.
“This four-county area is a prime location for these kinds of operations,” Capt. Brad Douglas of the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office said. “These are rural areas, away from any houses, which allows operators to deploy people and supplies without being seen by neighbors.”
Douglas said the operation eradicated last week was 1- to 2-acres in size and contained plants in an advanced stage of maturity.