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Bluffton 17-year-old arrested after drug bust

Officers seize 2.5 pounds of marijuana, 20 grams of cocaine and 3 guns

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A traffic stop led police to a 17-year-old Bluffton man, who is now facing charges of selling cocaine and marijuana, according to officials.

Members of the Beaufort/Jasper Multi Agency Drug Task Force seized 2.5 pounds of marijuana, 20 grams of cocaine and three handguns, one of which was stolen in Beaufort County, said Cpl. Robin McIntosh, spokeswoman for the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office.

The focus of the investigation was on Colin Brophy and his home on Deep Lagoon Court in Bluffton. Detectives had information that Brophy was selling and storing marijuana, McIntosh said.

On Friday afternoon, officers pulled over two Hilton Head Island men who allegedly had just bought drugs from Brophy.

James Donald Keller, 44, of Victoria Square Drive, and Raymond Douglas Dukes, 45, of Sand Dollar Road, were each charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana after being found with 4 ounces of marijuana, authorities said.

Brophy was then pulled over by officers on Buckwalter Parkway and arrested in connection with the alleged drug sale to Keller and Dukes.

The investigation then moved back to Brophy's home, where officers found more than 2 pounds of marijuana, the cocaine, guns and other items consistent with the sale of drugs, according to McIntosh.

Brophy was charged with trafficking cocaine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, sale and distribution of marijuana, possession of a stolen handgun, possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime and underage possession of a firearm.

A 19-year-old Bluffton man was charged with simple possession of marijuana.

Detectives still are investigating the stolen handgun, which could be a clue to some home and vehicle break-ins, authorities said.

Brophy is being held on a $135,000 bond.

A 17-year-old facing criminal charges is considered an adult under South Carolina law.

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