KERSHAW COUNTY (WACH) -- Several outdoor marijuana grow operations have been busted thanks to aerial surveillance in Kershaw County. Officials say the discovery of the sites led to several arrests.
The Kershaw County Sheriff's Department says deputies teamed up with State Law Enforcement Division agents and a SLED helicopter.
Fifty-four-year-old Richard Barnes, 55-year-old Linda Faneite, 57-year-old Bernard Faneite and 50-year-old Johna Burnes have all been arrested for the cultivation of marijuana. A warrant has been issued for another suspect, 26-year-old Don Laux.
All together, the department says over 100 marijuana plants were recovered from the sites in Cassatt, Camden and Elgin.
Sheriff Jim Matthews praises the work of both departments in the arrests and also credits the community.
“Along with searching growing areas by air, we also rely on tips from citizens within the community who do not want people growing marijuana around them,” said Sheriff Matthews. “This is one part of our efforts to curb substance abuse in Kershaw County.”
If you see suspicious activity or want to report a crime you can call CrimeStoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.
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