‘Major Player’ Arrested in Newberry County Drug Bust, Sheriff Says

NEWBERRY COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO) – A man is in custody Newberry County investigators allegedly found him in possession of crack, cocaine, marijuana, and pistols at a residence located on Green Acres Lane in Silverstreet on Monday.

Derrikus Raphael Oliver, 33, was arrested and charged with trafficking crack cocaine, trafficking cocaine, and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

Oliver’s bond was denied authorities say.

Sheriff Lee Foster said that investigators were able to make several undercover drug buys from the residence over the last several months.

Foster said that the investigation culminated when deputies served a search warrant on the residence late Thursday afternoon.

Investigators say that once inside the residence, they located more than 15 grams of crack, approximately 40 grams of cocaine, and several ounces of marijuana. Sheriff Foster said they also located two pistols inside the residence.

“This is another example of the partnership between law enforcement and community,” said Sheriff Foster. “The residents of this community brought the unusual activity at this residence to our attention and we were able to conduct an investigation into this matter identifying the residence as a place that was conducting the sale of illegal drugs.”

“There are two important factors to such an investigation,” said Sheriff Foster. “First, the public’s assistance in providing us information, which is crucial to our combined success because law enforcement simply cannot be in all places. The second is the public’s understanding that such investigations take time. The standard of proof needed for convictions in the court’s today continues to rise so it is imperative that we just not make the arrest, but we insure that the case can and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

“This man was a major player in the sale of illegal drugs in this community,” said Sheriff Foster. “This is the second large drug arrest we have made in this community within the last three months.”

“We are committed to working with all of the communities of Newberry County and when the community and law enforcement communicate and partner, together we can make a difference,” concluded Sheriff Foster.