Laurens County man arrested by deputies for drug trafficking, say Newberry County deputies

Investigating officers said they found large amounts of drugs located in the bag and on Joshua Stroud Gibbs.

Photo: Newberry County Sheriff's Office

NEWBERRY COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– A Laurens County man was arrested for drug and weapon violations after an investigation on Jan. 17, says the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office.

The Whitmire Police Department began investigating drug trafficking in the Whitmire area and asked the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office to assist.

During the investigation, police officers and sheriff’s deputies saw a person driving on McDonald Street who failed to use proper turn signals and had an equipment violation.

Investigators said when a traffic stop was attempted, someone from the passenger side attempted to flee and a chase took place.

Law Enforcement noticed someone in the vehicle throwing a firearm and a bag and were able to locate the evidence.

Investigating officers said they found large amounts of drugs located in the bag and on Joshua Stroud Gibbs.

Gibbs was charged with trafficking fentanyl, trafficking methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and possession of a weapon by a person convicted of a violent crime.

Gibbs is being held at the Newberry County Detention Center and the driver of the vehicle was cited for traffic violations and released.

“It is great to have such a great working relationship with the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office that we can work together to protect the citizens of Whitmire and Newberry County,” Chief of the Whitmire Police Department Michael Moss stated.