Law and order has returned to Kershaw Co., SC. The Sheriff's Dept. was out in full force, all hands on deck, on U.S. 601 just south of U.S. 1 at 5PM Friday. (Lugoff is west of Camden and 25 miles east of Columbia.) I had no idea that Kershaw Co. had so many deputies. Traffic was backed up for a mile all the way to I-20, with side roads also manned by deputies. It was billed as a "safety check" for driver's licenses and vehicle licenses and registrations. Some cars lacking something were directed off the road for further checks.

But the deputies were loading men handcuffed with white plastic ties into a 15-passenger van.

The most likely reasons for apprehension may have been:
  • illegal drugs or marijuana,
    outstanding warrants for arrest, or
    lack of driver's license, vehicle registration, or auto insurance.

Waiting for today's newspaper. More info to come when there is more to tell.