Two face drug charges in Richland County

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO) — Two people face charges of manufacturing and distributing methamphetamine. 46-year-old Artis Welch and 44-year-old Dana Gainey will face drug charges after Richland County Sheriff‘s Deputies responded to a call about a loud verbal altercation at a mobile home on Sept. 27. Once inside the home deputies observed several items in plain view, a burn pile, Coleman fuel, brake fluid, and partially burnt cans used to manufacture methamphetamine in the yard. Richland County Sheriff‘s Department Narcotics Unit, Special Response Team, Bomb Squad, and investigators also responded to the location. When deputies approached the home, Welch and Gainey allegedly turned off the lights and began to destroy the evidence inside the home. During the arrest, Welch said he was in pain and requested to be transported to Palmetto Health Richland Hospital, officials say. Authorities say Welch will be charged once he‘s discharged from the local hospital. Gainey was transported to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center – Welch will be transported upon release from the hospital.