ORANGEBURG, S.C. — The Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office recently found drugs in a murder suspect's home that they said were disguised in candy wrappers, raising concerns about their potential appeal to kids.
The sheriff's office said 34-year-old Benjamin Wright was out on bond for the deadly 2019 shooting of a 34-year-old man. Sheriff Leroy Ravenell said surveillance of the Clarendon Street home by his office's narcotics unit revealed an extensive drug operation, and a search warrant revealed weapons and drugs. The sheriff's office said they also found gummy bears that were laced with drugs.
Chief Deputy Chandra Gibbs said these drugs can catch the eye of children and be dangerous to them.
"Because you'll have a child that may see that and really think that it's just candy," said Chief Gibbs. "And they'll find themselves in a situation by just taking candy from a friend. And then you have those children that are intentional about what they're trying to market in our schools."
With Halloween around the corner, Gibbs warned parents to be aware of the candy their children collect.
"We want children to enjoy their trick-or-treat outings; we want them to enjoy that," said Chief Gibbs. "But we want parents, when the candy comes in, take the time. Use that as a family bonding time and go through your candy; separate it. But allow that to be a time where there's a conversation and there's a place of awareness."
Sheriff Ravenell said in a statement that his office is in contact with the Orangeburg County Consolidated School District as they keep a watchful eye out for drugs disguised as sweet treats.
“We want to have a consolidated front,” he said. “We aren’t going to stand by while drug dealers groom our children on drugs by any stretch of their imagination. Period.”
Wright was charged with trafficking cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine within the proximity of a school, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a stolen pistol, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Authorities said another person at the home, 27-year-old Keshia Pelzer, also faces charges.