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The McDuffie County Sheriff’s Department said the Dec. 15 arrests of suspects in a drug distribution ring in Dearing followed a year-long investigation.
According to a news release, Investigator Al Reeves and Deputy Jared Land seized $1,690, two sets of digital scales, 229 grams of high-quality cocaine and more than 16 grams of processed methamphetamine, commonly known as ice.
Gavreila Valdivinos, 31, of the 1000 block of Davis Circle, was arrested. She is charged with trafficking in cocaine and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and is being held at the McDuffie County Jail.
Criminal arrest warrants have been issued for Jose Isabel Arciga, 32, also of the 1000 block of Davis Circle, for trafficking in cocaine and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Officials expect to apprehend Arciga soon.
According to the news release, officials learned a drug ring was obtaining cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana and other illegal substances from the Charlotte, N.C., area and distributing the drugs to street-level dealers.
McDuffie County Sheriff Logan Marshall said his office is collaborating with District Attorney Dennis Sanders and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration on this investigation.
Marshall said he hopes those charged can be prosecuted through the federal judicial system, which he said has stricter sentencing guidelines.
According to the news release, the county sheriff’s department has seized more than $59,000 in currency in the past three months.
