Ridgeland, SC – Four individuals were arrested on August 15, 2025, after a significant drug and cash seizure by the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Enforcement Team and the Hardeeville Police Department Criminal Investigations Division.
The authorities confiscated $10,000 in cash, along with fentanyl, crack cocaine, and marijuana, following a narcotics search in the Miranda Drive area of Ridgeland.
Details of the Seizure
The search was part of an ongoing narcotics trafficking investigation, which led to the execution of a narcotic search warrant. Due to the nature of the operation, a Tactical Response Team was called in to assist. The authorities uncovered several illegal items, including:
- .300 Blackout rifle with ammunition
- Approximately $10,000 in US currency
- 19 grams of fentanyl
- 30 grams of crack cocaine
- Approximately 1 pound of marijuana
Arrests and Charges
Four Ridgeland residents were arrested in connection with the drugs and firearms seized during the operation. The following individuals are facing multiple charges:
- Houston Chaneyfield, 46 – Trafficking fentanyl, trafficking crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana
- Jessica Powell, 40 – Trafficking fentanyl, trafficking crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana
- Houston Chaneyfield Jr., 21 – Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana
- D-Avonta Chaneyfield, 20 – Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana
The Dangers of Fentanyl and Crack Cocaine
This case serves as a grim reminder of the dangers associated with fentanyl and crack cocaine. Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid that has been linked to a significant number of overdose deaths in recent years.
“These arrests and seizures demonstrate to continued commitment of our Narcotics Enforcement Team and our partners at the Hardeeville Police Department to aggressively target drug dealers in Jasper County. The presence of dangerous narcotics such as fentanyl in our community will not be tolerated, “Sheriff Chris Malphrus said as reported by WTOC.
Similarly, crack cocaine continues to be a major contributor to addiction and crime in communities across the nation.
Efforts to Combat Drug Trafficking
The operation underscores the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. Local authorities are working tirelessly to dismantle illegal drug operations and reduce the harmful impact these drugs have on communities.
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