Thursday, May 29, 2008

Undercover Drug Operation Nets Arrest Of South Carolina Man

   A two-day undercover operation undertaken in southern Lawrence has netted the arrest of a South Carolina man accused of selling crack cocaine locally.

   The operation was initiated after a confidential informant told drug agents with the Lawrenceburg Police Department that a man from out of state was selling crack cocaine, and that he could arrange to purchase some of the drug, should they wish to set up a sting operation.

   Agents report that the informant was outfitted with an electronic listening device and given $200 in drug funds in order to make the buy.

   The buy took place at an abandoned house on West Second Street in Iron City. There, the informant reportedly used the funds to purchase a quantity of the drug. A field test positively identified the substance in the plastic bag as crack cocaine.

   Since the informant had been “unable to lure the suspect from the vehicle in order for officers to effect the arrest,” agents were able to obtain a search warrant for the 172 West Second Street home where the man was visiting. The search warrant was executed the following day by drug agents with the police department and the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department.

   During the search, agents report seizing the following items:  13 ½ various types of pills, Browning 9 mm semi-automatic pistol, magazine with 15 rounds, a pill bottle, and $349 in U.S. currency that included the $200 buy money.

   Reports show that the suspect, Tony Bovain, 44, of 303C Sugar Hill Lane, Gaston, South Carolina, claimed ownership of all the contraband. Bovain was then placed under arrest on charges of possession of a Schedule II controlled substance and sale of a Schedule II controlled substance.

   Bovain will be required to answer the charges through Lawrence County General Sessions Court.

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