Florence, South Carolina – What began as a routine traffic stop in Florence ended with two people in jail and serious drug charges after deputies say they found a significant amount of narcotics inside a vehicle.
According to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, the arrest happened on April 13, 2026, when deputies with the Uniform Patrol Bureau stopped a vehicle for a moving violation near South Irby Street and Redbud Lane in Florence.
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During that stop, deputies carried out a probable cause search of the vehicle. Authorities said the search led to the discovery of a large quantity of methamphetamine, along with other controlled substances believed to be amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.
The investigation resulted in the arrests of Kisa Charlette Fennell, 46, of Olanta, and Ian Lidell Strickland, 45, of Effingham.
Both were charged with trafficking methamphetamine. Fennell also faces an additional charge of possession of controlled substances.
Officials said both defendants were taken to the Florence County Detention Center, where they are being held without bond.
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Court records and booking details identified Fennell as being from 3738 Olanta Highway in Olanta. She was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine and possession of controlled substances. Strickland, whose address was listed as 635 Olanta Highway in Effingham, was charged with trafficking methamphetamine.
The case adds to the steady stream of narcotics enforcement activity handled by patrol deputies, whose traffic stops often become the starting point for larger criminal investigations.
In this instance, what first appeared to be a standard roadway violation quickly turned into a felony drug case with consequences severe enough to keep both suspects behind bars as the judicial process begins.
Authorities have not released additional details about the amount of drugs seized beyond describing the methamphetamine haul as large.
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No further information was immediately provided about whether more charges could follow or whether the substances believed to be amphetamine and dextroamphetamine have been fully confirmed through testing.
Additional inmate and booking information is available through the FCSO booking website.
