Man Arrested in Gilbert for Trafficking Fentanyl and Meth

Gilbert, South Carolina, August 17, 2025

News Summary

A Lexington County man has been arrested for trafficking fentanyl and distributing methamphetamine. Authorities discovered various drug-related items, including fentanyl and ammunition, during a raid on his home. The arrest highlights local efforts to combat drug trafficking amid rising concerns over opioid-related incidents. The man is prohibited from possessing ammunition due to prior felony convictions, raising community safety concerns.

Gilbert, South Carolina – A 38-year-old Lexington County man, Gary Edward Ware, has been arrested for trafficking fentanyl and distributing methamphetamine. The arrest was made by narcotics agents from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department at Ware’s residence on Hayride Road following a successful execution of a search warrant.

Ware now faces serious charges not only for the trafficking and distribution of illegal substances but also for possession of a firearm and ammunition due to previous felony convictions. The search was conducted after authorities gathered intelligence suggesting ongoing drug-related activities at his home.

The warranted raid took place on Saturday, during which law enforcement officers discovered various drug-related items, including fentanyl, plastic bags typically utilized for packaging narcotics, a digital scale, and unidentified drugs in addition to 9 mm ammunition. Given his previous criminal history, it is illegal for Ware to be in possession of such ammunition.

Following the arrest, Ware was transported and booked into the Lexington County Detention Center. The operation highlights ongoing efforts by local authorities to combat drug trafficking and ensure community safety.

Sheriff Jay Koon emphasized the concerning nature of drug trafficking in the area, noting that such activities not only threaten public health but also contribute to overall crime rates. He underscored the Sheriff’s Department’s commitment to addressing this issues and taking actionable steps against individuals involved in the drug trade.

This arrest is part of a broader initiative by local law enforcement aimed at reducing the distribution of dangerous drugs in Lexington County and surrounding areas. Authorities have been increasing surveillance and gathering intelligence on suspected drug operations, particularly in response to rising concerns over opioid-related incidents and the dangers associated with fentanyl.

This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against drug-related crime in the region, which has been exacerbated by the nationwide opioid crisis. Law enforcement agencies continue to urge the community to report suspicious activities and remain vigilant as they work to dismantle networks involved in drug trafficking.

Background Context

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is particularly dangerous due to its potency — it is significantly stronger than morphine and can lead to overdoses when misused. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports that fentanyl is a leading cause of drug overdose deaths across the United States. Methamphetamine is another highly addictive drug that has harmful effects on individuals and communities alike.

The arrests related to drug trafficking illustrate the ongoing challenges faced by communities in tackling substance abuse and ensuring public safety. Awareness and prevention efforts are crucial in combating the challenges posed by the addiction crisis and related crimes.

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Additional Resources

• WLTX: Lexington County Man Accused of Trafficking Fentanyl
• Wikipedia: Fentanyl
• CT Insider: Arrest in Fairfield, CT
• Google Search: Fentanyl Trafficking
• WHEC: Ontario County Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Charges
• Google Scholar: Fentanyl Overdose Crisis
• Veronews: IRC Planning Director Arrested
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Methamphetamine
• WJHG: Bay County Man Charged with Manslaughter
• Google News: Substance Abuse Epidemic

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER

The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.