FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. — A traffic stop on I-95 in Florence County on Tuesday led to the discovery of approximately 118 pounds of cocaine and a large amount of money.
Authorities say deputies assigned to the Criminal Enforcement Unit (CEU) on I-95 observed a vehicle speeding in the north bound lane at near the 157 mile marker.
Upon conducting a traffic stop, a probable cause search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 54 kilos of cocaine, approximately $182,000.00 in cash and a handgun.
The driver, Sheldon Junior Alexander, a native of Trinidad and in the country illegally, was arrested and charged with trafficking in cocaine, unlawful carrying of a pistol, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.
At the time of his arrest, deputies say Alexander was out on bond for a murder charge arising out of California.
Deputies estimate the street value of the seized cocaine at $9,000,000.00.
Alexander is being held at the Florence County Detention Center while awaiting a bond hearing.
