Four people charged after undercover drug investigation in Lancaster County: Sheriff

LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. ( QUEEN CITY NEWS ) — Four people have been charged after more than 75 grams of fentanyl were found during an undercover investigation, according to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.

On Thursday, Sept. 5, deputies used a search warrant at a residence on East Gray Street. Suspected fentanyl was being sold from a shed behind the house on the property during an undercover operation, officials said.

When officers arrived, they found 23-year-old Natalie Grace Cairnes and 35-year-old Dajuan Markeis Foster in the shed. Deputies say they live at the residence. Brandal McIlwain, 36, and Ashton Marie Wallace, 33, were outside on the property. A man was also seen in a truck in the yard, but he was not involved in the investigation and was not charged. The other four were detained.

During the search, authorities found 76.89 grams of fentanyl, 0.2 grams of methamphetamine, 34 dosage units of oxycodone and 0.79 grams of marijuana. Digital scales, smoking pipes, and a derringer-style .22 caliber handgun were also found during the search.

The suspects were searched and McIlwain was found with meth and Wallace was found with fentanyl. Officials say arrest warrants for drug offenses were pending for Cairnes and Foster before the search warrant was served.

“This property was another hot spot we’ve been receiving complaints on,” Sheriff Barry Faile said.  “We bought trafficking-level Fentanyl at this property the first time and found a whole lot more when we went back with the search warrant.  This was a very successful operation, and I’m glad we got these drugs off the street and put Cairnes and Foster in jail.”

Cairnes and Foster were booked without bond for the charges of:

• Trafficking fentanyl 28 grams or more
• Trafficking fentanyl 4-14 grams
• Possession of methamphetamine
• Possession with intent to distribute marijuana
• Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl in proximity to Hughes Street Park
• Possession with intent to distribute marijuana in proximity to Hughes Street Park
• Possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime

Bothe Cairnes and Foster were charged with trafficking fentanyl 4-14 grams and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl in proximity to the Gray Street basketball courts for the prior incident, officials said.

McIlwain was booked and later posted a $5,000 personal recognizance bond for possession of methamphetamine. Wallace was booked under a $3,000 surety bond for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. She has not posted bond and remains in the detention center.

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