South Carolina police bust illegal gambling den, arrest four

• An investigation into illegal gambling in Andrews resulted in a multi-agency raid earlier this week
• Law enforcement executed a search warrant, uncovering and seizing illegal gambling machines, guns and drugs
• Suspects were charged; one was wanted in Ohio

A month-long investigation into illegal gambling resulted in the arrest of several suspects.

The operation, conducted in Andrews, South Carolina, uncovered not only illegal gambling devices, but also drugs and guns.

Three firearms and drugs were seized along with illegal gambling devices

Earlier in the week, the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office released details about the illegal gambling bust.

The raid against the illegal gambling venue was conducted by the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics and Vice Unit, in collaboration with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s Alcohol Enforcement Unit.

Per the announcement, the police operation at a private residence located at 813 West Cottonwood Street in Andrews follows a month-long investigation.

Sheriff Carter Weaver spoke about the latest illegal gambling bust, saying: "This is a great example of state and local law enforcement collaborating together to ensure the safety of the citizens within the Town of Andrews."

During the raid, law enforcement found and seized six illegal video poker machines.

Concerningly, agents also found and seized 56 grams of cocaine, 18 grams of crack cocaine, 6.5 grams of fentanyl, 22 grams of MDMA, 5 grams of meth and 304 grams of marijuana.

At the same time, police found and seized three firearms. Four people, between the ages 39 and 63 were arrested.

One of the suspects faces a significant number of charges

One of the suspects, a 46-year-old man from Georgetown, had a warrant for his arrest from Ohio.

Another suspect, a 63-year-old man from Andrews, faced charges for Manufacturing/Distribution of Cocaine as a first offense.

Then, a 39-year-old male, also from Andrews, was charged with Failure to Appear, Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl 3rd Offense, and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine 3rd Offense.

Another 39-year-old suspect with the initials G.W. from Andrews is facing the longest list of charges.

The man was charged with six counts of Unlawful Possession of a Slot/Vending Machine and Unlawful Games and Betting.

In addition, he faced Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime, Trafficking in Fentanyl 1st Offense, Trafficking in Methamphetamine/Cocaine Base 1st Offense, Trafficking in Cocaine, Distribution of Methamphetamine 1st Offense, Manufacturing/Possession of Schedule I, II or III with Intent to Distribute 1st Offense.

If found guilty on all charges, the 39-year-old man may face upwards of 50 years in prison, together with significant fines, forfeiture of assets and gambling equipment.

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