Pickens County Drug Raid, One Arrested, One On The Run

On 08-25-2021, Deputies with Pickens County Sheriff’s Office’s Community Action Team and Special Operations Unit executed a search warrant at 162 Tree Top Lane in Easley, South Carolina. The operation resulted in multiple criminal charges for Laban Justin Johnson and Mandy Lynn Johnson of 162 Tree Top Ln.

During the search warrant, deputies located multiple forms of high-grade marijuana, including raw plant material, kief, and processed THC oil. The total field weight of the marijuana products was in excess of 70 pounds. In addition to the 70 pounds of marijuana product, Deputies located a large number of pressed fentanyl pills which subsequently resulted in Trafficking Heroin charges. Deputies also seized a total of 10 firearms from within the residence, including one stolen rifle and one sawed-off shotgun, as well as other items believed to be from a previously reported burglary. Additionally, deputies located marijuana analogues manufacturing equipment, an electronic money counting machine, and a large sum of US currency. The total seized THC products alone have a wholesale value in excess of $200,000.

Mandy Lynn Johnson was arrested and transported to Pickens County Detention Center. Laban Justin Johnson, who was not present at the time of the search warrant, is currently fleeing authorities and is being sought by several upstate law enforcement agencies.

Suspect list and criminal drug charge:

Laban Justin Johnson:

· Trafficking Marijuana 10-100 pounds 1st

· Manufacturing Marijuana with Intent to Distribute 1st

· Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime

· Possession of a Sawed-Off Shotgun

· Receiving Stolen Goods less than $2,000

· Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor

Mandy Lynn Johnson:

· Trafficking Heroin 4-14 grams

· Trafficking Marijuana 10-100 pounds 1st

· Manufacturing Marijuana with Intent to Distribute 1st

· Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime

· Possession of a Sawed-Off Shotgun

· Receiving Stolen Goods less than $2,000

· Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor

· Assault and Battery 3rd Degree