Police recover drug money

Aiken County Sheriff's Office investigators seized nearly $50,000 in drug money when they served a search warrant at a Langley home Monday.

Gerald Courson, 49, of Dunbar Street in Langley, is charged with trafficking methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, possession of a firearm with a removed/obliterated serial number, possession of marijuana and four counts of possession of a controlled substance.

During the search, which was a result of a CrimeStoppers tip, investigators arrested Courson and two others for a variety of narcotics charges, said Sgt, Dave Myers, a sheriff's office spokesperson.

Deputies seized marijuana, a variety of pills, methamphetamines, drug paraphernalia, two shot guns, a handgun and about $49,000 cash.

Once there, they also found Lisa Smith, 38, of 323 Edisto Ave. in Beech Island, who is charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Julie Hydrick, 23, of 39 Buckskin Court in Warrenville, is charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to arrest warrants, on Monday, Courson was armed with a firearm or knife while he was reportedly trafficking in meth.