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Conway Man Sentenced to Prison for Trafficking 17 Pounds of Marijuana

By James Seidel | CC News Network

CONWAY, S.C. – A Conway man has been sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of trafficking marijuana, following an investigation that uncovered 17 pounds of illegal drugs shipped across the country to his home in South Carolina.

Jessie Salcedo Bueno, 39, was convicted on February 11, 2025, for trafficking between 10 and 100 pounds of marijuana, a felony under South Carolina law. The trial, which lasted just one day, resulted in Circuit Court Judge George McFaddin handing down the three-year sentence. Prosecutors had sought the maximum 10-year penalty.

How Much Marijuana Was Seized?

Authorities say the 17-pound shipment of marijuana, which originated from Washington state, was hidden in the insulation of Bueno’s attic when officers executed a search warrant at his home in September 2022.

To put this into perspective:

17 pounds of marijuana equals approximately 7,700 grams or around 34,000 joints if rolled at standard size.
The estimated street value varies, but in South Carolina, where marijuana remains illegal, the total could be worth anywhere from $50,000 to $75,000, depending on quality and distribution.

SC Laws Broken in the Case

Bueno’s conviction falls under South Carolina Code § 44-53-370, which governs trafficking, possession, and distribution of controlled substances. Specifically, he was charged under the following provisions:

Trafficking in Marijuana (10-100 pounds) – A felony offense with a mandatory minimum sentence of one year and a maximum of 10 years in prison.
Conspiracy to Distribute – By coordinating the shipment of illegal drugs across state lines, Bueno violated South Carolina’s drug conspiracy laws, which carry additional penalties.
Possession with Intent to Distribute – The large quantity of drugs, combined with evidence that the marijuana was carefully concealed, indicated an intent to sell rather than personal use.

Prior Arrests & Law Enforcement Efforts

This is not Bueno’s first encounter with South Carolina law enforcement. In March 2022, he was arrested on charges of simple possession of marijuana and disobeying a police officer. That incident, while minor in comparison, suggests a pattern of drug-related activity.

The Horry County Police Department, in conjunction with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), carried out the search warrant that led to his arrest in 2022. Solicitor Jimmy Richardson praised their efforts in successfully bringing the case to trial.

A Tough Stance on Marijuana Crimes in South Carolina

Unlike neighboring states like North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee, where marijuana laws have gradually relaxed for medical use, South Carolina remains one of the strictest states in the Southeast.

North Carolina decriminalized possession of small amounts (under 0.5 ounces).
Georgia has a limited medical marijuana program, allowing low-THC cannabis oil.
Tennessee has no recreational allowances but permits CBD oil with trace amounts of THC.
South Carolina, however, has not legalized medical or recreational use and continues to enforce strict penalties for trafficking, possession, and distribution.

The Bottom Line

Despite growing national acceptance of marijuana, South Carolina continues to impose severe consequences for drug-related crimes. While some may question whether three years in prison is justified for a non-violent drug offense, the law remains clear—trafficking marijuana is still considered a serious felony in the state.

But it still begs the question, how much is getting through? With large busts like this and in just the last two weeks we reported on large fentanyl busts, drugs are coming through this state in droves.