RIEGELWOOD — A routine checking station conducted by the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office H.E.A.T. unit resulted in a major drug trafficking arrest last week, according to Sheriff Bill Rogers.
On April 1, members of the Special Operations Heavy Enforcement Action Team (H.E.A.T.) were operating a Chapter 20 checking station near the intersection of General Howe Highway and Old Lake Road as part of ongoing proactive enforcement efforts. The operation was launched in response to community concerns and is part of the sheriff’s office’s broader strategy to increase roadway safety and reduce criminal activity.
During the checkpoint, deputies stopped a red GMC truck driven by Bruce Spencer. Two passengers — Rese Beatty in the front seat and Gyrell Munn in the rear — were also in the vehicle. Deputies reported detecting the odor of marijuana while speaking with the occupants, which led to a search of the truck.
The search uncovered multiple controlled substances, including methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, and marijuana wax, the sheriff’s office said.
Spencer was taken into custody and charged with:
- Trafficking in Cocaine (3 counts)
- Trafficking in Methamphetamine (3 counts)
- PWIMSD Cocaine
- PWIMSD Methamphetamine
- PWIMSD Marijuana
- PWIMSD Schedule VI Controlled Substance
- Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Controlled Substances
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia
Spencer was booked into the Columbus County Detention Center under a $200,000 secured bond.
Sheriff Rogers said the arrest highlights the value of proactive enforcement.
“Our H.E.A.T. continues to take a proactive approach in targeting illegal drug activity throughout Columbus County,” Rogers said. “Operations like this are a direct response to community concerns, and we remain committed to identifying those involved in the distribution of narcotics and holding them accountable.”
The sheriff’s office said it will continue conducting checking stations and saturation patrols as part of its ongoing efforts to improve safety and reduce crime.
All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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