Traffic Stop in Sumter County Leads to Drug Bust and Stolen Gun Recovery
Sumter County, S.C. — A routine traffic stop on Wednesday afternoon quickly escalated into a major drug bust and the recovery of a stolen handgun, officials confirmed.
On April 29, 2026, deputies from the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office pulled over a vehicle at the intersection of South Harvin Street and Newberry Avenue after noticing the car’s windows were illegally tinted. Upon approaching the vehicle, deputies detected the smell of marijuana, prompting a probable cause search.
The search uncovered multiple containers of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine base, and heroin, as well as a handgun verified to be stolen. The combined value of the narcotics seized is estimated at nearly $5,000, according to sheriff’s officials.
Arrest and Charges
The driver, identified as Devonte Daquan Tyre Ford, was arrested at the scene. Ford now faces a series of serious charges, including:
- Trafficking in methamphetamine or cocaine base, 200 grams or more but less than 400 grams (2nd or subsequent offense)
- Trafficking in heroin, 4 grams or more but less than 14 grams (2nd or subsequent offense)
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Felon in possession of a firearm
- Possession of a weapon during a violent crime
- Possession of a stolen handgun
Ford is currently held at the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center pending a bond hearing.
Immediate Impact and Wider Context
This arrest delivers a significant blow to drug trafficking in the region. Methamphetamine, cocaine base, and heroin remain critical threats in communities across the Southeast, including Alabama. Recovering a stolen firearm adds a serious public safety dimension, illustrating the intertwined risks of drug trafficking and illegal weapons possession.
Law enforcement agencies in Alabama and neighboring states continue ramping up efforts to intercept these dangerous substances and armed offenders before they reach communities. The swift action by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office highlights the ongoing commitment to public safety in the area.
What’s Next?
Authorities will move forward with prosecution in the case against Devonte Daquan Tyre Ford. Further investigation may reveal connections to larger trafficking networks or additional criminal activity.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to their local police departments. The cooperation between community and law enforcement remains crucial to curbing drug-related crime and weapon violence across the Southeast.
“This arrest underscores the effectiveness of vigilant patrols and community involvement in targeting dangerous offenders,” said a spokesperson for the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office continues to monitor drug trafficking trends and firearm-related offenses, providing regional law enforcement partners a blueprint for rapid response and interdiction.
Stay tuned to The Alabama Report for ongoing updates on this developing story and other public safety issues impacting communities across Alabama and the Southeast.
