LEXINGTON, S.C. – A routine traffic stop on Interstate 26 turned into a major drug bust last week after a Lexington County deputy pulled over a vehicle with an expired license plate.

Aaron Daryl Maldonado, 31, of Columbia, faces multiple charges including trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, marijuana, and Alprazolam pills, three weapons violations, and committing a violent crime while out on bond for a previous violent offense, according to arrest warrants.

Shailie Marie Mercado, 24, also of Columbia, was charged with possession of meth, authorities said.

The stop occurred near mile marker 105 on I-26 East, according to Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon.

“The deputy detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle,” Koon said. “Once backup arrived, a search of the car revealed numerous illegal drugs and a pistol hidden under the driver’s seat.”

Both Maldonado and Mercado were arrested at the scene and transported to the Lexington County Detention Center. Maldonado remains in custody. Mercado was released after meeting the conditions of her bond.

The investigation is ongoing.

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