Crime & Public Safety
Months-long Horry County drug probe leads to Longs neighborhood arrests
Horry County police carried out a months-long drug investigation that resulted in a heavy law enforcement presence and multiple arrests in a Longs neighborhood on Freemont Road. The Horry County Police Department said the operation culminated with arrests of ten people and the seizure of several drugs, firearms and money.
According to HCPD, the probe lasted roughly three months and concluded with coordinated arrests on Freemont Road. The department identified the arrested individuals by name and said they face pending drug or weapons charges; it also reported some of those charged have prior violent criminal histories. Agencies that assisted in the operation included Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the Horry County Sheriff’s Office.
HCPD Chief Kris Leonhardt told reporters no shots were fired during the operation and that sounds heard in the community were distraction devices. Residents also reported seeing a helicopter in the area while arrests were made. Acting Homeland Security Investigations special agent Alex Hagedorn described the action as an example of interagency cooperation against violent crime and drug trafficking.
The department characterized the arrests as part of an effort to address gang activity and community complaints about crime in the area. HCPD spokesperson Ashley Boles said details will be limited while the investigation remains active. Beyond the listed arrests, charges remain pending and the case is ongoing.
All individuals accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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All individuals mentioned in criminal allegations are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.