Berkeley County drug dealer convicted on gun and drug charges

BERKELEY COUNTY, SC (WCBD) — A man accused of selling drugs in Berkeley County was found guilty of various trafficking and distribution charges Wednesday.

Malik Shaquin Hedin was convicted of trafficking methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a weapon during commission of a violent crime, possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person convicted of a violent offense and illegal carrying of a handgun, according to attorney Scarlett Wilson.

Hedin was sentenced to six years in the Department of Corrections by Judge Deadra L. Jefferson.

On November 4, 2021, Summerville Police officers were patrolling the parking lot of the Econo Lodge in Summerville when they observed a vehicle committing a traffic violation and noticed that the car's license plate was expired.

Hedin got out of the vehicle and walked behind the Econo Lodge. The officers approached and Hedin attempted to flee. Hedin was later apprehended.
Police went to search Hedin's vehicle and smelled marijuana coming from it. When police searched the car, they discovered the following:

• A loaded Glock 30 .45 caliber handgun
• A magazine sitting with ten rounds of ammunition and one round in the chamber
• $720 cash
• Several bags containing large quantities of marijuana
• A clear bag of meth
• A clear bag of cocaine
• A transparent bag of 18 fentanyl tablets
• A digital scale
• A box of sandwich bags

A total of 15.35 grams of methamphetamine, 2.47 grams of cocaine, 2.29 grams of fentanyl and 450 grams of marijuana were presented as evidence at trial. According to attorney Wilson, jurors heard testimony from several eyewitnesses and two SLED forensic chemistry experts.

Assistant District Attorneys Jon Newlon and Kayla Donato prosecuted this case.

Newlon thanked the Summerville Police Department for their efforts in investigating this matter.

“The officers of the Summerville Police Department played a vital role in the prosecution, and ultimately conviction, of this case. They were heavily involved throughout the process and conducted a top-notch investigation. Their dedication to law enforcement and the safety of our community has made it an honor and pleasure to work with them.