Isle of Palms police increasing patrols as drug sales rise during spring break

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD)- Isle of Palms is getting ready for spring break, expecting crowds from all over the country.

“It’s really cool to kind of play the license plate game and see the similarities of how many different cities and states people are coming from,” Manager at Papi’s, Eric Bayus said.

However, as more people make their way to the beach, IOP police are increasing their vigilance.

“If you come out here to cause violence, to break the law, will we find you, arrest you and prosecute you,” IOP Police Public Information Officer, Matt Storen said.

Police say possession and distribution of drugs is a big problem they have to look out for.

Just Tuesday afternoon, IOP police arrested a father and son on the island for possession of marijuana and unlawful carrying of a firearm.

Especially during these warmer months, the problem seems to grow.

“We’ve seen everything from meth, heroin, fentanyl,” Storen said.

However, this year the police say they will be way more visible on the beachfront now that they don’t have to manage parking on the island.

“Taking that off our hands has freed up our staff and officers to be able to be on the beach and the streets,” Storen said.

Police say they know these efforts make a big difference.

“That’s why it’s important for us to be proactive and get these drugs off the streets,” Storen said.

IOP police say especially since the shooting last year on the beach during spring break, they are in constant communication with school districts across the Lowcountry to talk about safety strategies.