05-04-2025
McColl drug bust turns up cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana, weapons
MCCOLL, S.C. (WBTW) — A Marlboro County Sheriff's Office investigation led to the seizure of counterfeit money, drugs, a firearm and multiple arrests, authorities said Saturday.
Investigators said it's all part of 'Operation Clean Sweep,' an ongoing effort around the McColl area. A drug warrant served Friday night at the Red Bluff Road home of Robert Keith Locklear turned up the following:
1.2 grams of fentanyl
34 grams of methamphetamine
3.19 grams of cocaine
2.17 grams of marijuana
methadone wafer tablets
Smith & Wesson .380 firearm
Locklear is charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, simple possession of marijuana, possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime.
Two other men were arrested, authorities said: Kevin Falaga is facing charges of trafficking methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, simple possession of marijuana and possession of a Schedule II controlled substance.
John Kevin Hopkins is facing charges of trafficking methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, simple possession of marijuana, possession of a Schedule II controlled substance and possession of counterfeit money.
Chief Deputy Larry Turner said more arrests are likely in the coming weeks as 'Operation Clean Sweep' continues.
'These dealers have been unable to evade the administration and dedicated efforts of these deputies and investigators,' he said in a statement.
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Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.
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