News Summary
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two men following a major drug and gun operation in the Poppy Hill area. The arrests were made after executing search warrants at two residences, leading to multiple drug-related charges against both suspects. The Sheriff’s Office urges the community to help combat illicit activities by reporting any suspicious behavior.
Beaufort, South Carolina – Two men were arrested on July 8, 2025, following a significant drug and gun bust by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. This operation came after a detailed months-long investigation into suspected illegal drug activity in the Poppy Hill area of Beaufort.
The arrests occurred after search warrants were executed at two residences located on Sandstone Circle and Poppy Hill Road. The individuals taken into custody are Marvin Letony Huggins, aged 38, and Robert L’Antonio Drayton, aged 45, both of whom reside in Beaufort.
Charges Filed Against the Defendants
Marvin Letony Huggins faces a series of serious drug-related charges. These include one charge of trafficking cocaine, three charges of sale and distribution of cocaine, one charge of manufacturing crack cocaine, and one charge for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
Robert L’Antonio Drayton faces an even larger array of charges totaling seven. His charges comprise one of trafficking cocaine, one for sale and distribution of cocaine, one for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one for manufacturing crack cocaine, along with three charges of sale and distribution of crack cocaine. Additionally, Drayton faces a charge for possession with intent to distribute marijuana and a charge for possession of a weapon by a felon.
Items Seized During the Operation
As part of these search operations, law enforcement officials confiscated an array of illegal substances and materials. Items seized included cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, various firearms, and a significant amount of cash.
Law Enforcement’s Call for Public Assistance
In light of the ongoing investigation and previous illegal activities in the area, the Sheriff’s Office encourages community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Individuals can call the Beaufort County non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777 to relay concerns or report observations.
Anonymity is assured for those who want to provide tips. Residents can submit confidential tips to Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County using the P3 Tips app, online at tipsbft.com, or by calling 844-847-7238.
Background Context
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has been proactive in tackling drug-related crimes in and around the Poppy Hill area. This arrest marks another step in their extensive efforts to curb illicit drug activities and ensure community safety. By doing so, the Sheriff’s Office aims to reduce the impact drugs have on local neighborhoods and fight against crime associated with drug use and distribution.
Illegal drug trafficking poses serious risks not only to individuals who use these substances but also to the surrounding community through increased crime rates and violence associated with drug transactions. The recent bust serves as a reminder of the collaborative effort needed between law enforcement and community members to combat these issues effectively.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Human Remains Found on St. Helena Island Spark Investigation
Local Man Sentenced to Life for Murder of Young Mother
Camden Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Firearm Possession
Beaufort Police Make Second Arrest in Shooting Incident
Camden Man Sentenced for Illegal Firearm Possession
Family and Authorities Seek Help in Finding Missing Teen
St. Helena Island Seeks Help to Find Missing Teen
Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearm Charges in Beaufort County
Missing Teen Earl Fields III Found Safe in Beaufort
Missing Teen Found Safe in Beaufort, South Carolina
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Drug Trafficking
- WTOC
- Google Search: Drug Trafficking
- WCTI 12
- Google Scholar: Drug Related Crime
- FITS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug Trafficking
- WNCT
- Google News: Beaufort County Drug Bust
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
