Marijuana growing alleged in 2 locations

    Separate investigations have resulted in two men charged with manufacturing marijuana, one south of Whiteville, the other near Bolton, Lt. Steven Worthington of the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office says.
    Samuel Wright Freeman, 60, of Jacobs Road, Bolton, was charged Friday. Byron Scott Stevens, 40, of Gaston Sellers Road, Whiteville, was arrested Monday.
    Both men were charged with manufacturing marijuana, taken to the Columbus County Detention Center, their bonds set at $10,000, news releases from Worthington said.
    In both cases Vice/Narcotics Unit detectives were told of the marijuana growing operations and conducted surveillance on the suspects and their property, Worthington said.
    Both men were arrested after search warrants were served on their property. Marijuana plants were seized at both locations, 50 on Freeman’s property, seven plants outside Stevens’ home. Additional processed marijuana was found inside Stevens’ home, Worthington said.
    Look for more of the latest area news in Wednesday’s Tabor-Loris Tribune in print and online. – Deuce Niven