Lake City man faces drug trafficking charges

By Bradrick McClam
Lake City News & Post Reporter
Published: July 24, 2008

A Lake City man faces drug trafficking charges after police acted on anonymous tip they received Tuesday morning, Lake Police Chief Billy Brown said.

Adrian Patrokele Nero, 31, of 320 Ray St., is charged with first-offense trafficking in 10 gramrs or more but less than 28 grams of crack cocaine, first-offense manufacture, distribution or possession of narcotic drugs in schedule II (cocaine), first-offense possession of narcotic drugs in schedule II (cocaine), second-degree lynching and strong arm robbery, Florence County Detention Center booking reports show.

Brown said police received a tip that the suspect was selling drugs in room 117 of the Lake City Motel at 137 McAlister St., and that he was wanted on outstanding warrants.

When police entered the motel room, a large quantity of crack cocaine worth thousands of dollars was in plain sight, Brown said. Police also confiscated drug paraphernalia including baking soda, razor blades, and gloves, as well as a cell phone, as evidence.

Nero remains in custody at the Effingham jail, where he was booked Wednesday night.

Brown said anyone who sees suspicious activity in Lake City is asked to call the police department immediately at (843) 374-5411.