Lake City man arrested after Florence County deputies seize drugs and gun during search warrant

Florence County, South Carolina – A month-long investigation by narcotics agents in Florence County ended with an arrest this week after authorities executed a search warrant at a Lake City residence and recovered illegal drugs along with a firearm.

According to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, narcotics investigators, assisted by the agency’s SWAT team, carried out the warrant on March 17 at a home located at 501 Moore Street.

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The operation followed weeks of undercover work that began after community members reported suspected drug activity in the area.

During the search, investigators said they located illegal narcotics and a firearm inside the residence. The discovery marked the culmination of an investigation that authorities say had been quietly unfolding for more than a month as detectives worked to verify the complaints and gather evidence.

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As a result of the operation, deputies arrested 40-year-old Laquatae Wayne McKnight of Lake City. Investigators charged him with trafficking in cocaine base (crack), trafficking in cocaine, distribution of cocaine (third offense), possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (third offense), possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Authorities also allege that the investigation uncovered earlier drug activity tied to the case. According to investigators, McKnight sold cocaine to confidential informants during controlled purchases conducted in December 2025 as part of the ongoing probe.

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Following his arrest, McKnight was taken into custody and transported to the Florence County Detention Center. He remains there while awaiting a bond hearing as the case moves through the judicial process.

Officials say the investigation reflects ongoing efforts by the Florence County Sheriff’s Office to address narcotics activity and respond to community concerns. Deputies noted that citizen complaints often serve as the starting point for investigations, helping law enforcement identify areas where illegal activity may be occurring.