Georgetown, South Carolina — A routine traffic stop in Georgetown County quickly escalated into a major narcotics investigation, leading to the seizure of more than 5 kilograms of fentanyl and the arrest of a local man, authorities confirmed.
According to the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office, the incident unfolded on Tuesday when deputies attempted to stop a vehicle traveling along Highway 17, just south of Pawley’s Island. Instead of pulling over, the driver allegedly fled, triggering a pursuit that raised immediate safety concerns for officers and the public.
The chase came to an end when the suspect crashed into a light pole on Waverly Road. Deputies moved in and arrested the driver, later identified as 38-year-old Orlando Sanders. During an initial search of the vehicle, officers discovered a significant quantity of fentanyl, prompting further investigation.
Authorities then obtained a search warrant for a residence on Kaminski Street in the City of Georgetown. What they found inside expanded the case dramatically, revealing what officials described as a large-scale drug operation.
Investigators reported seizing over 5 kilograms of fentanyl in total, along with more than a pound of methamphetamine, approximately half a kilogram of cocaine, and over two and a half pounds of marijuana. Additional substances included 137 grams of crack cocaine and more than 4 kilograms of a cutting agent commonly used to dilute narcotics for distribution.
Law enforcement also recovered $15,000 in cash, a handgun, and equipment believed to be used in drug processing, including a hydraulic press. Officials say these items suggest the drugs were intended for packaging and wider distribution.
Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, has been at the center of a growing overdose crisis across the United States due to its extreme potency. Even small quantities can be deadly, making seizures of this scale particularly significant for public safety.
Sanders is currently being held at the Georgetown County Detention Center. Authorities have not yet released full details regarding the charges but indicated that the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges could follow as evidence is processed.
Officials emphasized that what began as a routine traffic stop ultimately prevented a large quantity of dangerous drugs from reaching communities, potentially saving lives.
