W. Columbia Couple Arrested on Drug-Related Charges in Orangeburg

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WOLO) — A West Columbia couple have been arrested on drug-related charges and child endangerment after a traffic stop turned up a large quantity of different narcotics. Andres Rodriguez and Yulaimis Garcia were both charged with unlawful neglect of a child officials say. Rodriguez was also charged with trafficking heroin. “These were just the first round of what would turn out to be multiple charges,” Sheriff Leroy Ravenell said. Both Garcia and Rodriguez appeared for what was their initial bond hearing on Thursday. Bond was denied on Garcia based on flight risk concerns by the court. Bond was also denied on Rodriguez after the court was informed more charges would be levied against the West Columbia man. Authorities say a deputy stationed on I-26 clocked a passing westbound vehicle traveling more than 80 m.p.h around 5 a.m. Wednesday morning. Upon approaching the vehicle, the deputy could smell what he believed to be marijuana authorities say. More than 14 grams of heroin was also found in the vehicle officials say. While Thursday‘s hearing was underway, court officials were notified that a bag of field tested marijuana, two bags of field tested cocaine and more than $2,200 were hidden compartments inside the vehicle. On Friday, Rodriguez was charged with trafficking cocaine and manufacturing or possession of a controlled substance. Bond was set on Friday‘s charges at $20,000 total, surety. Authorities say the child is in the custody of the Department of Social Services.