A tip led investigators to a stockpile of illegal drugs, high-power firearms and cash at a storage facility, Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook reports.
Police arrested 23-year-old Matthew Ryan Garnett last Friday and charged him with several drug violations. Garnett is listed in the University of South Carolina's directory as a social work student.
Almost 40,000 pills were seized along with about 100 grams of hashish and about $10,000 in cash. The Organized Crime and Narcotics unit also seized an AR-15 rifle, two Tec-9 submachine guns and handguns from the 1000 Whaley St. location.
Law enforcement officers have been looking for Garnett since they received the tip in May.
Garnett was charged with possession with intent to distribute hashish, possession with intent to distribute a schedule I controlled substance (AB-Fubinaca or THC) and possession with intent to distribute a schedule IV controlled substance (Alprazolam or Xanax).
The State reports that Garnett was being held Wednesday night at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. The narcotics investigators found have an estimated street value of $200,000.