HomeFlorence CountyFlorence County narcotics search near elementary school leads to six arrests

Florence County narcotics search near elementary school leads to six arrests

Florence County, South Carolina – Six people were arrested in Florence after a narcotics search warrant led deputies to a residence near McLauren Elementary School, where investigators said they found illegal drugs and firearms.

The Florence County Sheriff’s Office said the operation took place on May 15, 2026, at a home on McMillan Drive in Florence.

Deputies assigned to the FCSO Narcotics Bureau carried out the search warrant with help from the FCSO SWAT Team. What they found, according to investigators, turned the case into a larger narcotics investigation involving fentanyl, methamphetamine, crack cocaine and multiple weapons.

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The location of the search added another serious layer to the case. Authorities said the residence was within close proximity of McLauren Elementary School, and several of the charges filed after the search involved possession of a controlled substance near a school.

According to Narcotics Investigators, the residence contained a large quantity of Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, Crack Cocaine and firearms.

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Cody Lee Sellers, 23, of 163 Coastal Lane in Hartsville, was arrested on May 15 and charged with possession of fentanyl. Sellers is being held on a $10,000 surety bond.

Allen Shante Onasanya Daniels, 42, of 124 E. Westford Road in Florence, was also arrested that same day. Daniels was charged with trafficking in fentanyl and possession of a controlled substance within proximity of a school. He was released on May 16 on a $50,000 surety bond.

Brandy Devonna Welch, 43, of 1602 McMillian Lane in Florence, was charged with trafficking in fentanyl after her arrest on May 15. Welch is being held on a $50,000 surety bond.

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Deputies also arrested Trey Arthur Graham, 43, of 610 N. Firetower Road in Florence. Graham faces charges of trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance within proximity of a school, and possession of a weapon by a person convicted of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Graham is being held on a $41,000 surety bond.

Daniel Scott Carmichael, 43, also of 1602 McMillian Lane in Florence, was arrested and charged with possession of fentanyl and possession of a controlled substance within proximity of a school. Carmichael was released on May 17 on a $13,000 surety bond.

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Justin Ailes, 36, of 136 Bacote Street in Darlington, was charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and possession of a controlled substance within proximity of a school.

Authorities said Ailes also had an outstanding warrant from another jurisdiction at the time of his arrest, for which he has been denied bond. He is being held on a $7,500 surety bond.

More details are available here.

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Kinsley Brown
Kinsley Brown
Editor Kinsley Brown oversees daily news operations, story development, and editorial standards at Florence News Journal. With nearly a decade of experience in South Carolina journalism, she has covered state and local politics, education, and government accountability for multiple outlets. She brings a strong focus on clear, accurate, and reader-first storytelling. Kinsley holds a degree in journalism and has received several recognitions for both her editing and reporting. She is especially committed to mentoring emerging journalists and ensuring Florence News Journal maintains rigorous editorial integrity.

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