In the early morning hours of January 17, 2025, a routine traffic stop conducted by Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Vice/Narcotics Detectives resulted in two arrests and the seizure of a significant amount of illegal narcotics.

Around 1:00 a.m., A deputy of the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office H.E.A.T. (Heavy Enforcement Action Team) assisted Vice Narcotics Detectives with a traffic stop on Franklin Street near Madison Street. Upon arrival, The H.E.A.T. deputy spoke with the driver, Mr. Jerry Delane McBride, who was holding a camouflage bag close to his person and displayed signs of extreme nervousness. The H.E.A.T. deputy asked Mr. McBride to step out of the vehicle to allow K9 Cooper to conduct an exterior air sniff of the vehicle. During the sniff, K9 Cooper alerted to the presence of narcotics at the passenger door. Meanwhile, one of the Vice Narcotics Detectives was speaking with the female passenger, identified as Ms. Victoria Elizabeth Dudley, was handed a small amount of a crystal-like substance by Ms. Dudley as she exited the vehicle.

A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered:

A camouflage bag containing 40.38 grams and 15.69 grams of methamphetamine in two separate bags, as well as five Suboxone strips.

Digital scales located near the driver’s seat.

$1,221 in U.S. currency found in Mr. McBride’s pocket, seized as evidence.

Ms. Dudley was found to have 2.03 grams of methamphetamine in a plastic bag and 0.2 grams hidden inside a folded $20 bill. Both individuals were arrested and transported to the Columbus County Detention Center. The H.E.A.T. deputy presented the case before Magistrate M. Manolis, who found probable cause for the following charges:

Ms. Victoria Elizabeth Dudley

Felony Possession of Methamphetamine

Secured bond: $2,500

Mr. Jerry Delane McBride

Two counts of Felony Trafficking Methamphetamine

Felony Maintain Place Controlled Substance

Felony Possession with Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver Schedule III Controlled Substance

Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

No bond issued

Sheriff Bill Rogers stated, “This case highlights the critical role our detectives, deputies and K9 units play in keeping dangerous substances off our streets. Their vigilance and dedication continue to protect our community from the harm caused by illegal drugs.”

The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to removing dangerous drugs from our community. The H.E.A.T. team and Vice Narcotics Unit will continue working tirelessly to ensure the safety of our residents.

“Everyone is presumed to be innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. The information contained in this post is not intended to be an expression of opinion regarding guilt.”

Via CCSO