Community tip leads to drug bust at local motel in Lexington County

Community tip leads to drug bust at local motel

Lexington County

A tip from the public led to the arrest of two men on drug charges at a local motel, according to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.

38-year-old Vander Mingledolph is charged with trafficking fentanyl, trafficking meth, and trafficking cocaine. 39-year-old Jeffrey Myers is charged with trafficking fentanyl, trafficking crack, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm during a violent crime.

Authorities say the tip led narcotics agents to a motel on Piney Grove Road in search of an accused drug dealer on Friday. Sheriff Jay Koon stated, “Investigators with the Lexington County Multi-Agency Narcotics Enforcement Team, along with narcotics investigators from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department arrested 38-year-old Vander Antonio Mingledolph as he walked out of the motel.” During a search of Mingledolph’s vehicle, investigators found 150 grams of fentanyl, more than 200 grams of meth, over 100 grams of cocaine, and more than $3,000 in cash.

Upon detecting the smell of marijuana emanating from Jeffrey Vernon Myers’ room, authorities quickly took action. “They made contact with 39-year-old Jeffrey Vernon Myers in his room and detected the odor of marijuana,” added Koon. Inside Myers’ room, authorities found fentanyl, crack, cocaine, and three handguns.

Both Mingledolph and Myers are currently held in the Lexington County Detention Center as they face multiple drug-related charges. The arrests were made possible thanks to a valuable tip from the community, underscoring the importance of citizen cooperation in combating illegal drug activities in the area.