Laurens County, SC – A multi-agency undercover operation in Laurens County led to the seizure of a significant quantity of methamphetamine and the arrest of a suspect Friday, impacting communities across the Upstate region, including Clinton and nearby Greenville County.
According to the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office, deputies, alongside Homeland Security and the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant on May 1, 2026, at a residence on Sassafras Drive in Laurens. During the search, authorities located a large quantity of methamphetamine.
The investigation continued with a second search warrant executed at a home on Martha Dendy Drive in Clinton. During that search, deputies reported finding marijuana and a stolen firearm.
Authorities arrested Frankie Layne Simpson, who was charged with trafficking methamphetamine—400 grams or more—possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a stolen firearm, and possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a violent felony. According to officials, Simpson allegedly possessed the narcotics and firearm during the course of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials say the coordinated effort highlights ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking across Laurens County and surrounding areas in Upstate South Carolina. The case remains under investigation, and additional charges or arrests could follow.
Residents in Laurens County, Clinton, and the greater Greenville metro area may notice continued law enforcement activity as agencies work to address narcotics distribution networks.
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