Two individuals were arrested in Anderson County, South Carolina after a traffic stop revealed that they were transporting several pounds of cocaine.
The suspects, Anthony Miller, and Cemeka Mitchem, were stopped by the Special Investigation Division and Directed Patrol Unit. During questioning, deputies became suspicious when the two gave conflicting information about the woman's apparent pregnancy. "The first red flag began when the two gave conflicting information about her 'due date,'" a Facebook post from the sheriff's office said.
Deputies found that the woman was attempting to disguise drugs by taping them behind a rubbery pregnancy belly. As the deputies' suspicion grew, Mitchem reportedly tried to run away; at this point, the prescriptions quickly fell out of the rubber apparatus.
The traffic stop recovered over 1,500 grams, or just over three pounds, of cocaine from inside the rubber pregnancy belly. The two were charged with trafficking cocaine.
South Carolina has been experiencing a significant increase in drug overdose deaths in recent years. From 2020 to 2021, the total number of drug overdose deaths in South Carolina increased by more than 430 individuals, from 1,734 deaths to 2,168: an increase of more than 25%.
By comparison, there were only 573 drug overdose deaths in the state in 2012. Opioids continue to be the primary cause of overdose deaths in recent years, contributing to 1,733 2,168 fatal overdoses in 2021. Other drugs are laced with Fentanyl without the user's knowledge which can cause a deadly overdose even in a small quantity.
"Drug dealer Posing as 'MOM TO BE,'" the Facebook post read. The incident highlights the extent to which drug dealers are willing to go to evade detection. Using fake pregnancy bumps is a new tactic law enforcement agencies must be aware of.
The incident also highlights the need for increased vigilance in the fight against drug trafficking. As Sara Goldsby, director of the state's Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, noted, "Other drugs are being laced with fentanyl without the user's knowledge which can cause a fatal overdose even in a small quantity." The opioid crisis continues to be a significant public health concern in the United States, with 75% of fatal drug overdoses involving opioids.
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