Five defendants charged in drug conspiracy operating in Pawley’s Island

GEORGETOWN, SOUTH CAROLINA — A joint team of federal and local law enforcement officers recently arrested three individuals who have been charged in federal court in connection with a drug trafficking organization that operated in and around Pawley’s Island.  Two others charged remain at large. 

The recently unsealed indictment charges each of these defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine. Additionally, several defendants are charged with specific instances of drug distribution and one of the defendants has been charged with various firearms offenses.  The following defendants have been arrested:

• ANDREW CLIFFORD WEST, JR., a/k/a “Drew,” 36, of Pawley’s Island was charged with conspiring to distribute a quantity of heroin, a quantity of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine.  If convicted, West faces between 5 and 40 years in prison. 

• MAKEON JALIK HOLMES, a/k/a “Keon,” 22, of Pawley’s Island was charged with conspiring to distribute a quantity of heroin and a quantity of fentanyl.  If convicted, Holmes faces up to 20 years in prison.

• BRADFORD DALE ROGERSON, a/k/a “Furley,” 47, of Pawley’s Island was charged with conspiring to distribute a quantity of heroin and a quantity of cocaine.  Rogerson is also charged with illegally possessing firearms and ammunition as an unlawful user of a controlled substance, and with possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.  If convicted, Rogerson faces between 5 years and Life Imprisonment. 

Two defendants are currently fugitives: ERNEST ARTHUR BRYANT, III, 35, of Pawleys Island, and DAVID MIKLE SYNDAB, 62, of Pawleys Island. 

“This case showcases this office’s continuing effort to protect the people of South Carolina,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “Along with our federal, state, and local partners, we ae committed to identifying, arresting, and prosecuting organizations that traffic in dangerous narcotics. It is especially dangerous when these drug trafficking organizations use firearms.”

“Heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine are dangerous drugs that pose a clear and present danger to the community,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta Field Division. “Because of the collective law enforcement efforts, these poly-drug traffickers were arrested. This case is a shining example of what can be achieved when DEA and its law enforcement partners present a united front to protect our communities from the scourge of drug abuse.”

During the investigation into this drug trafficking organization, agents seized thousands of dollars’ worth of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and several firearms.

The case was investigated by the DEA, with assistance from the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office and the Horry County Police Department.

The United States Attorney stated that all charges in this indictment are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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