Florence, South Carolina – A drug investigation in Florence led to a major narcotics and firearms seizure on May 22, 2026, after agents stopped a vehicle on South Irby Street and later searched a residence connected to the case.
The investigation was carried out by agents with the Florence Police Department Special Investigations Unit, with assistance from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes Unit.
Authorities said the operation first led to a traffic stop in the 2200 block of South Irby Street in Florence.
During that stop, a K-9 officer alerted investigators to the odor of narcotics coming from inside the vehicle. A search followed, and agents seized about one kilogram of cocaine, which had an estimated street value of $50,000. Investigators also recovered a 9mm handgun and marijuana from the vehicle.
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The case did not end there. As agents continued their investigation, they went to a residence on Warner Street, where a second search uncovered a much larger collection of drugs, weapons and cash. Authorities said they seized additional cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, ketamine, psychedelic mushrooms, a large amount of THC vape cartridges and THC wax, multiple firearms, ammunition and about $6,000 in U.S. currency.
In total, investigators reported seizing approximately 1,106 grams of cocaine, 14 grams of methamphetamine, 3,020 grams of marijuana, 13 grams of MDMA, 5 grams of ketamine and 266 grams of psychedelic mushrooms. Six firearms were also recovered, including two assault-style rifles, along with large quantities of ammunition and THC products.
Jimmy Ray Grooms was arrested following the investigation. He is facing multiple charges, including trafficking cocaine of 400 grams or more, trafficking cocaine of 28 grams or more, trafficking methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession with intent to distribute MDMA, possession of ketamine and possession with intent to distribute hallucinogenic mushrooms. He was also charged with two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime.
Grooms is being held at the Florence County Detention Center with no bond.
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In a statement, the Florence Police Department said it “remains committed to aggressively targeting narcotics trafficking and illegal firearms within our community.” The department also thanked the Florence County Sheriff’s Office for its continued partnership “in helping keep dangerous drugs and violent offenders off our streets.”
Anyone with information about illegal drug activity is encouraged to contact the Florence Police Department Special Investigations Unit at 843-665-3191 or submit a tip through the department’s online tip submission form.
