KERSHAW COUNTY, S.C. (WACH) - The Kershaw County Sheriff's Office announced Tuesday that almost 20 pounds of high grade cocaine possibly worth around $3 million was seized near Camden Sunday.
Narcotics agents with the sheriff's office, SLED, and the Drug Enforcement Administration seized approximately 9 kilograms (19.8 pounds) of cocaine, packaging materials, and equipment used to press and package cocaine from an undisclosed location east of Camden Sunday, April 29.
Investigators worked for more than two months on the bust. During the investigation, another kilogram of cocaine was seized along with an assault style rifle and several pistols, according to authorities.
The three individuals arrested in the case have not been identified due to the interest of further investigative activity.
“Although evidence at the scene suggests that considerably more than 10 kilograms had moved through this location, we are happy to get over 20 pounds of this very destructive drug off our streets,” said Sheriff Matthews.
The sheriff's office says the price of a kilogram of high grade cocaine is about $30,000. On the street, when this cocaine is diluted down to a 10 percent purity, a single kilogram can be worth up to $300,000. Overall, the 10 kilograms seized so far could conceivably net $3 million.
Agents believe that this cocaine was being distributed throughout South Carolina and the Southeastern United States.
“This seizure illustrates the importance of inter-agency cooperation. Prosecution of suspects in this investigation will be handled in federal court in Columbia,” said Matthews.