Police find drugs, gun at apartment of suspected supplier after man’s deadly overdose

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – An investigation into a deadly overdose uncovered hundreds of drugs and several firearms at a West Ashley apartment that belonged to the victim’s suspected supplier.

Officers with the Charleston Police Department responded to a suspected overdose in February that left a 25-year-old man dead.

Following a months-long investigation into the overdose death, officers and detectives executed a search warrant on an Ashley River Road apartment complex – the home of the victim’s suspected supplier – last week and found myriad drugs and guns.

Police said over 400 fentanyl pills, cocaine, cocaine base, marijuana, and several prescription drugs were seized from the residence. Seven firearms were also removed including an AK-47 and a handgun that had previously been reported stolen.

Montez Antowan Forrest, 25, of Charleston was arrested on a slew of charges including trafficking fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute (PWID) cocaine, PWID cocaine base, PWID marijuana, distribution of fentanyl, three counts of PWID in close proximity to a school or park, possession of a stolen handgun, seven counts of possession of a firearm during commission of a violent crime, and seven counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Forrest was under the supervision of the SC Probation Pardon and Parole at the time of his arrest for drug-related offenses, according to police.

“The Charleston Police Department will continue to fight the opioid crisis through education, enforcement, and community partnerships,” the agency said. “If you or someone you know is suffering from opioid dependency, the Charleston Center is available 24 hours a day at (843)722-0100.”