Ambrose, a seven year old multi-purpose canine of the Mauldin Police Department assigned to the DEU, was instrumental in locating a large stash of illicit drugs at a residence located at 108 Webbwood Drive, Simpsonville, SC.
The search warrant was served by DEU and the GCSO Directed Patrol Unit on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 regarding an ongoing narcotics investigation.
DEU investigators were alerted to the possibility of the drug trafficker utilizing a hidden compartment to conceal narcotics inside of the residence.
Ambrose was deployed and during a search of a bedroom, the canine alerted to the floor area of a closet.
Investigators pulled back the carpet and found a hidden compartment containing a safe with a significant quantity of methamphetamine, crack cocaine, marijuana and U.S. currency.
In addition to locating drugs and cash in the safe, investigators found a firearm, ammunition, and evidence of cocaine powder being manufactured into crack cocaine elsewhere in the residence.
DEU Commander Bart McEntire stated, “DEU’s arsenal to fight drug trafficking currently includes two drug sniffing dogs provided by local police departments. Ambrose the Mauldin PD K9 and Greenville PD K9 Scooter are great assets in helping DEU investigators find hidden stashes of drugs. DEU will soon be adding a third canine Mazur to our GREENVILLE COUNTY MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL DRUG ENFORCEMENT UNIT Press Release arsenal. Currently, Mazur and his handler are undergoing training but will join the effort soon.”
Larry Anthony Ladson Sr. aka “Big L”, age 49, was arrested and charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Violent Felon, Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Trafficking in Crack Cocaine, and Manufacturing Crack Cocaine. Fountain Inn Police Department Chief and current Board Chairperson overseeing DEU Michael Hamilton commented, “crack cocaine and methamphetamine are two powerfully addictive drugs that individuals should avoid. Mr. Ladson was operating a thriving drive-up business distributing drugs within our communities. Putting him out of business will have an impact on our area. I continue to support DEU's efforts in combatting drug trafficking in the South end of Greenville County which includes the Simpsonville and Fountain Inn areas.”
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