A crystal methamphetamine bust Wednesday in Darlington County has resulted in three arrests and the seizure of almost 5 grams of the drug, as well as $2,000 in cash and a van.
Kenneth Leidig
Eric Virgil Richardson
Jessica Irena Adams
“The bust happened in a parking lot less than a half-mile from the sheriff’s office,” Darlington County Sheriff Wayne Byrd said in a press release. “They could see the jail from the parking lot where they were trying to do business. Now they can see the parking lot from the jail.”
Eric Virgil Richardson, 34, of 1954 DW Oliver Road, Ruby, is charged with possession of crystal methamphetamine with intent to distribute and distribution of crystal methamphetamine. He is wanted in North Carolina on other charges, according to the press release.
Kenneth Leidig, 49, of 3325 Forest Lane, Saluda, Va., is charged with possession of crystal methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
After the two men were arrested, the third suspect, 27-year-old Jessica Irena Adams, of 1363 Antioch Road, Hartsville, was arrested and charged with attempting to purchase crystal methamphetamine at the scene on U.S. 151 near the sheriff's office the release said.
A deputy who participated in the bust was treated at an area emergency room after he became ill from smelling the chemicals used to make the drug, sheriff’s Capt. Andy Locklair said.
Many of the chemicals used the make the drug can be derived from household products or over-the-counter cold and allergy medicines, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Crystal methamphetamine is colorless, odorless, and a powerful and highly addictive synthetic stimulant, according to the National Drug Intelligence Center.
Crystal meth typically resembles small fragments of glass or shiny blue-white “rocks” of various sizes and is smoked using glass pipes similar to those used to smoke crack cocaine, but also can be injected. A user who smokes or injects the drug immediately experiences an intense sensation followed by a high that may last 12 hours or more.
All three suspects remain in custody at the Darlington County Detention Center awaiting bond hearings.
The arrests and seizure were made by members of the Darlington County Multi-Jurisdictional Task Force, which consists of sheriff’s deputies, Darlington, Hartsville, Lamar and Society Hill police and 4th Circuit Solicitor’s Office representatives.
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