Greenville County, South Carolina, September 20, 2025
News Summary
Authorities in Greenville County, SC, announced the arrest of Irby Jarrard Watkins as part of a significant drug bust involving multiple individuals. An extensive investigation led to the seizure of a substantial amount of narcotics, including 521 grams of fentanyl and other illegal substances. This operation highlights the ongoing fight against drug trafficking in the region, particularly the dangers posed by fentanyl. Several other arrests were made in connection with the investigation, emphasizing law enforcement’s commitment to combatting drug threats.
Greenville County, South Carolina, is the site of a significant drug bust that led to the arrest of Irby Jarrard Watkins. This arrest was announced by authorities on September 4 as a result of an extensive investigation by the Greenville County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit. Watkins is currently facing multiple drug trafficking charges related to this case.
The investigation into Watkins began in May, culminating in a search executed at his secondary home located on Kingsley Drive. During this search, law enforcement officials seized an undisclosed amount of narcotics. The scale of the operation was further highlighted by a related search warrant executed in Duncan, South Carolina, with the involvement of the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
In the Duncan operation, law enforcement seized an additional 521 grams of fentanyl. This substance poses a serious risk, as the Drug Enforcement Administration notes that just 2 milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal for an average American. Accordingly, the amount confiscated during the traffic stop near Gallon Street in Greenville could potentially endanger 14,000 people. During that traffic stop, deputies arrested Jerome Garrett, who was charged with trafficking fentanyl, and Ray McGowan, who faced charges for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
Additionally, deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle at a Waffle House on White Horse Road. There, they found Christopher Richard Gross exhibiting signs of drug use. Following a search of Gross’s vehicle, law enforcement uncovered a large quantity of illegal substances, including meth, cocaine, mushrooms, and marijuana. Gross was subsequently charged with possession with intent to distribute these drugs.
This sweeping operation signifies the ongoing efforts by law enforcement in Greenville County and surrounding areas to combat drug trafficking, particularly the distribution of fentanyl, a potent opioid that has become a substantial concern nationwide.
FAQ
Who was arrested in the Greenville County drug bust?
Irby Jarrard Watkins was arrested and is facing multiple drug trafficking charges.
What was seized during the drug bust?
An undisclosed amount of narcotics was seized at Watkins’s secondary home, and an additional 521 grams of fentanyl were seized in Duncan, South Carolina.
What dangers does fentanyl pose?
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, as little as 2 milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal for an average American.
What other arrests were made during this investigation?
Jerome Garrett was arrested during a traffic stop for trafficking fentanyl, and Ray McGowan was charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Christopher Richard Gross was also charged following a search of his vehicle where various illegal substances were found.
Key Features of the Drug Bust
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrested Individual | Irby Jarrard Watkins |
| Charges | Multiple drug trafficking charges |
| Date of Arrest | September 4 |
| Investigation Start Date | May |
| Narcotics Seized at Home | Undisclosed amount |
| Fentanyl Seized in Duncan | 521 grams |
| Fentanyl Seized at Traffic Stop | 28.4 grams |
| Cocaine Seized at Traffic Stop | 3 grams |
| Potential Fatalities from Traffic Stop Fentanyl | 14,000 people |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4 News: Multi-Agency Drug Seizure in Greenville
- Google Search: Greenville County drug bust
- Fox Carolina: Extensive Upstate Drug Bust
- Wikipedia: Drug policy in the United States
- WIS TV: Greenville County Deputies Seize Fentanyl
- Google Scholar: Greenville County fentanyl seizure
- Fox Carolina: One Arrested in Greenville Drug Bust
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug Abuse
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville 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 Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . 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 Greenville 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.
