Full Notification

The Saluda County Sheriff’s Office charged 2 individuals related to different traffic stops with drug offenses, including possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of marijuana. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Bryan Preston Cooper, 50m of Waterloo, SC, was stopped for reckless speed on the Johnston Highway. After interacting with Cooper, deputies requested the assistance of one of the two Sherriff’s Office drug K-9 officers, who detected the presence of drugs. Further investigation led deputies to a quantity of methamphetamine, a large amount of cash, scales, and other evidence that the suspect intended to package the drug for sale. Cooper was charged with possession of Methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, and reckless driving.

In a separate incident, another traffic stop yielded a large quantity of marijuana. Deputies stopped Travis Ray Whitten, 28 of Monetta, for a routine violation in the area of Batesburg Highway. As the deputy spoke with Whitten, he could detect the odor of marijuana. The deputy called for the other Saluda County drug K-9, who helped recover a quantity of marijuana. Whitten was charged with simple possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and operating without insurance.

Both suspects were placed in custody and transported to the Saluda County Detention Center.

“This is a great example,” said Sheriff John Perry, “of car stops and traffic enforcement leading to the prevention of a much bigger problem. I am proud of the deputies for using the tools the county and community have provided, including 2 K-9 officers, in our fight against the drug trade in Saluda County.”


If you have any information about drug activity in Saluda County, contact the Sheriff's Office at 864-445-2112