2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Its members were supplied with controlled substances from multiple interstate sources of supply, including one with direct ties to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) from Jalisco, Mexico. Were seeing it here in Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties in our circuit, said Barnette. . The defendants in these cases were all participants in this drug conspiracy. All rights reserved. Last week, deputies seized more than 30,000 grams of the drug fentanyl from a home on Golden Pond Drive in Clover. Los Banditos operation nets multiple arrests . Deputies with the Anderson County Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Division say one man now faces a lengthy list of charges after a drug trafficking bust. Have a question about Government Services? "Wilson said between Feb. 1, 2021, and Dec. 14, 2022, law enforcement seized over 25 kilograms of methamphetamine (street value of approximately $800,000.00) and 30 guns as part of this investigation.SCDC Inmates Darrell Foster McCoy Jr. a/k/a DJ, and Matthew David McCoy have been involved in drug trafficking since 2011, Wilson said. 5, 2022 at 4:26 PM PDT HODGES, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Nine people were arrested after deputies found nearly eight pounds of meth and other drugs at a compound during a search,. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. Lock According to the attorney general, much of the drug trafficking was run and facilitated by the owners of the Los Primos restaurant located in Greenville, South Carolina. Copyright 2022 WHNS. More than 40 people have been charged in the Upstate of South Carolina as part of a drug-trafficking case known as "Las Seoritas," according to Attorney General Alan Wilson. In addition to the statewide grand jury and SLED, the office of S.C. thirteenth circuit solicitor Walt Wilkins was involved in the operation. A South Carolina sheriff's office has concluded a one-year investigation into a major drug operation that saw them seizing enough fentanyl to kill around 15 million people. If you engage in this illicit type of activity, drug trafficking, youre going to eventually get busted and were going to put you away, Wilson said. Also participating in the Los Banditos investigation were the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Pickens County sheriffs office, the Anderson County sheriffs office, the Spartanburg County sheriffs office, the Easley, S.C. police department and the S.C. National Guard counter-drug task force. I want to extend my deepest appreciation to all the different agencies, investigators, prosecutors, and everyone behind the scenes who have helped in this case.Wilson said that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, along with local law enforcement, began making arrests as part of this investigation on Tuesday. "Theyre twin siblings. The organization was based in the Cedar Branch area of Horry County, and had ties across the state line into North Carolina. BELTON, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Anderson County Sheriff's Office said arrested a man after finding a large amount of drugs and multiple guns at his . People are sentenced to the Department of Corrections for long periods of time. MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA Less than twenty months after 30 Horry County and Myrtle Beach-area drug traffickers were indicted based on a federal wiretap investigation into narcotics and violence, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of South Carolina announced today that all 30 have pleaded guilty and been sentenced in federal court. Feds bust drug ring spanning from CSRA to Caribbean By Staff Published: Nov. 8, 2022 at 12:31 PM PST STATESBORO, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - A newly unsealed federal indictment charges nearly three. 2023 Blaze Media LLC. Wilson said between Feb. 1, 2021, and Dec. 14, 2022, law enforcement seized over 25 kilograms of methamphetamine (street value of approximately $800,000.00) and 30 guns as part of this investigation. Samantha Nicole Bishop, 40 years old, is currently in the Spartanburg County detention facility. "When you look at the I-85 corridor from Charlotte to Atlanta, obviously its an artery for this type of illicit activity.. 9 photos. Florence:(843) 665-6688. None of these drugs are in jail. On March 9, 2022, deputies said that a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle that left Shonda Finchs house on Boot Hill Court in Spartanburg County. Got a tip for a story? Were seeing people who are incarcerated continue their criminal ways behind bars," SCDC Director Bryan Stirling said. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This operation dismantled a violent criminal enterprise, put its members behind bars, and made communities in South Carolina safer, said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. The wiretap investigation was quarterbacked by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in concert with the other agencies, who offered comments on the successful operation: FBI Special Agent in Charge Susan Ferensic, This latest sentencing signifies the end of this drug organization. The men claimed to have been rescued by The Waterworld and Miss Kathy boats. Share Copy Link . I urge the commission to act quickly so we can stop this stop this criminal activity from being orchestrated from behind our nations state prison walls. While South Carolina has long lobbied Congress to pass the Cellphone Jamming Reform Act, which would allow state prison systems to jam cellphone signals, the act has never received a hearing.Everyone in America would be safer if Congress would pass this legislation, Stirling said.Judge DeAndrea Benjamin denied bond for twenty-three of the 32 defendants who were arrested. The. They have 24/7 365 to think of ways to get it in," Stirling said. Solicitor Barnette said the issues stretch far beyond the Upstate. CLICK HERE. Witnesses testified that the 2007 shooting was a drug deal gone array.. A substantial portion of those seized drugs were allegedly intended for South Carolina, a statement from the attorney generals office noted. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WYFF-TV. While South Carolina has long lobbied Congress to pass the Cellphone Jamming Reform Act, which would allow state prison systems to jam cellphone signals, the act has never received a hearing. The McCoys were served with Notice of the States Intention to Seek Sentencing of Life Without the Possibility of Parole at their bond hearings last week. Prado also indicated Interstate 85 in South Carolina was a major pipeline for trafficking. Its been a problem throughout the state of South Carolina. An assortment of other illicit narcotics were discovered at an additional address, including methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and mushrooms, authorities said. According to Creighton Waters (above) chief attorney of the statewide grand jury the Los Banditos investigation began in 2018. SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) An inmate is accused of operating a drug trafficking ring from behind bars in Spartanburg County. Waters also echoed statements made by SLED chief Mark Keel about the dangers of illicit drug use in the current fentanyl-driven marketplace. The investigation focused on a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in Pickens, Greenville, Laurens, Anderson, and Oconee counties. Huckabee and several others who are accused of taking part in the drug trafficking ring are scheduled to have their initial court appearance in April. Market data provided by Factset. All defendants named at Wednesdays press conference will be prosecuted by the attorney generals office. "Theres much more volume flowing into our communities. Authorities said the organization had ties across the state line into North Carolina and one of its supply sources had direct ties to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in Mexico. The SCDC says it's called on the FCC to allow state facilities to jam cellphones. The drugs involved include cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine and various controlled substances in pill form. She is charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine over 400 grams. HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WMBF) A massive investigation into gang members and drug traffickers in Horry County helped to dismantle a violent criminal enterprise, according to federal authorities. Wilkins said the amount of drugs flowing through upstate South Carolina is at the highest level he's ever seen. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. More than two dozen people were charged by a grand jury in connection with the bust. It is much more significant," he said. A South Carolina sheriffs office has concluded a one-year investigation into a major drug operation that saw them seizing enough fentanyl to kill around 15 million people. Copyright 2022 WHNS. Thank you for all the hard work and dedication by all to make this difference in our communities., Myrtle Beach Police Department Chief Amy Prock, As we said before, Myrtle Beach is not a safe haven for criminals. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Deputies said the drug trafficking ring was coordinated by Kenneth Huckabee who was already behind bars for other crimes, including a 30-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter and aggravated nature in the killing of Jerry Bridwell. I urge the commission to act quickly so we can stop this stop this criminal activity from being orchestrated from behind our nations state prison walls.. The seizure ultimately led to multiple other arrests and the discovery of additional illegal drugs in and around Spartanburg County. By working with our partners at SLED and local agencies, were able to investigate and prosecute complex trafficking conspiracies like this one and defend the rule of law. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Additional information can be found on the docket of the United States District Court, Criminal Case Numbers 4:20-CR-189 and 4:20-CR-490. "Yet our response to the opioid and fentanyl crisis is underwhelming. Wilson announced the arrests at a press conference held in his offices on the grounds of the State House in downtown Columbia, S.C. on Wednesday. This case illustrates the results that are possible when federal, state, and local agencies work together toward a common goal.. Shop Our Favorite February Amazon Deals Before the Sales End, The 14 Best Mineral Sunscreens of 2023, According to Pros, 14 TikTok-Famous Cleaning Products That Actually Work, According to Our Experts, 14 Best Healthier Candy Alternatives of 2023, According to Taste Tests. SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. The Sumter County Sheriff's Office announced a large drug bust that took place during a search warrant at a residence in the 1300 block . Six people have been charged in a major drug bust in South Carolina. He said both brothers have been incarcerated at SCDC since 2015 and have allegedly continued trafficking methamphetamine from prison using contraband cell phones. with the help of the South Carolina Department . A major drug bust in upstate South Carolina resulted in 124 charges against 34 defendants allegedly involved with a Mexican cartel trafficking cocaine and methamphetamine in the southeast. Investigators seized 11 kilograms of meth, 584 grams of cocaine, over 20 firearms and $63,000 in cash during the investigation. Fentanyl seized by York County Sheriff's deputies. All rights reserved. The wiretap investigation into the Cedar Branch organization was led by the FBI alongside other agencies. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of South Carolina announced on Monday that 30 Horry County and Myrtle Beach area gang members and drug trafficking associates have been sentenced in . Submit your letter to the editor (or guest column) via email HERE. He said defendant Marcy Dawn Vickers allegedly fled in 2022, and defendant Kelli Edwards allegedly fled in October 2022. Theyre conducting drug deals, drug business just like normal.. Taco trucks owned by the Los Primos owners also allegedly played a role in the operation which according to a statewide grand jury appears to be connected to some proverbial bad hombres., In fact, the investigation revealed alleged connections to Mexican drug trafficking cartels operating in South Carolina and Georgia.. Stirling says federal prisons are allowed to do so, but states are not.Stirling says this would allow them to track the cellphones inside the prisons and shut them off. Legal Statement. Police in South Carolina seized more than 65 pounds of fentanyl Wednesday in a drug raid that officials describe as the largest-ever seizure of . Slideshow. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Chelsie Marie Anderson, Jennifer Nicole Burns, and Amy Deanna Cobb a/k/a Emma, allegedly fled to Mexico in late 2018-2020, Wilson said. This is a great win for the citizens of Greenville County and these numerous arrests will have an immediate and direct impact upon the citizens of Greenville County and neighboring counties., In his remarks at the press conference, Wilkins added that the influx of drugs into the Upstate was at the highest level that Ive ever seen it., RELATED | S.C. Democrats: Cocaine Is A Helluva Drug. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. All rights reserved. He is charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine over 400 grams. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, 18, 2022 at 8:54 AM PDT | Updated: May. One of them was married to one of the cartel members," Wilson said. He said the street value of the more than 1,000 kilos of methamphetamine seized by law enforcement is over $75 million. Kimberly Dawn Neal, 33 years old, is currently in the Spartanburg County detention facility. So far, the Los Banditos operation has seized 11 kilograms of methamphetamine, 584 grams of cocaine, approximately $63,000 in cash, and over 20 firearms in South Carolina. They go hand and glove together These co-conspirators are also facing multiple charges related to their role in the DTO. These defendants are allegedly living among Jalisco New Generation Cartel members and sourcing drugs directly from the Cartel. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of South Carolina announced on Monday that 30 Horry County and Myrtle Beach area gang members and drug trafficking associates have been sentenced in federal court. The cartel we believe is primarily involved in this is La Familia," Homeland Security Deputy Special Agent Mike Prado said. Got a technical question or a glitch to report? There are about 150 overdose deaths per day in the United States. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Henderson County Sheriff's Office has arrested dozens of people after a drug bust involving six houses. Judge DeAndrea Benjamin denied bond for twenty-three of the 32 defendants who were arrested. The Sheriffs Office said over the past year and a-half, deputies continued their ongoing investigation of individuals who are trafficking large quantities of meth and heroin into Oconee County, as well as the distribution of controlled substances, including fentanyl and carfentanil. She is charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine over 200 grams and Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime. 18, 2022 at 10:15 AM PDT COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) - South Carolina's attorney general said an investigation into a drug ring operating in South Carolina and Georgia resulted in 124 criminal charges against 34 people. Each of the defendants pleaded guilty to one of two indictments that contained 72 total charges, which ranged from drug conspiracy to firearms violations. Drug trafficking and violence are not distant cousins," Wilson said. South Carolina prosecutors have announced its biggest drug bust in state history, with 100 defendants facing nearly 500 charges. Fifteenth Circuit Solicitor Jimmy Richardson told WMBF News a couple of weeks ago that Operation Broken Branch is a perfect example of how federal, state and local agencies worked together to bring down a criminal organization and help make the communities feel safer. Bond hearings for several of these defendants were held on Monday, May 16, 2022 in the virtual courtroom of S.C. circuit court judge Alison Lee. Information from the Los Banditos investigation was used to make another bust in Atlanta, where authorities seized approximately 200 kilos (441 pounds) of methamphetamine, 3.5 kilos (7.7 pounds) of cocaine, 3.2 kilos (7 pounds) of heroin, 5 ounces of cocaine mixed with fentanyl, 183 pounds of marijuana, 900 Xanax pills, and multiple firearms from stash houses in apartments, the attorney general's office said. Huckabee, Bishop and Childress were denied bond Friday. The Federal Communications Commission passed a rule that will allow state prisons to identify contraband cellphones and require carriers to turn the phone signals off in 2021. Wilson said that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, along with local law enforcement, began making arrests as part of this investigation on Tuesday. The investigation was a multi-year, collaborative effort by several agencies including the Horry County Police Department, Horry County Sheriffs Office, 15th Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit, Myrtle Beach Police Department, Conway Police Department, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, United States Marshals Service, United States Postal Inspection Service and the 15th Circuit Solicitors Office. Investigators alleged the drug operation was linked to a Mexican drug cartel. Deputies discovered more than 30,000 grams of fentanyl. Investigators believe the alleged drug traffickers were responsible for moving more than 1,000 kilograms (more than one ton) of methamphetamine, 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of cocaine, and 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) of heroin in the state. As with anyone accused of committing any crime, all defendants connected to this investigation are considered innocent until proven guilty by our criminal justice system or until such time as they may wish to enter some form of allocution in connection with a plea agreement with prosecutors related to any of the charges that may be filed against them. An official website of the United States government. ", Six people have been charged in a major drug bust in South Carolina. The use of contraband cell phones is an issue the State Department of Corrections said is growing. The McCoys were served with Notice of the States Intention to Seek Sentencing of Life Without the Possibility of Parole at their bond hearings last week. These are illegal cell phones that are smuggled in, flown in by drones, thrown over fences, mailed in delivery trucks, any way you can think about it, said Bryan Stirling, Director of the South Carolina Department of Corrections. And yes, he has LOTS of hats (including that Minnesota Twins lid pictured above). Its much more organized, as seen in this case. The case, dubbed "Los Banditos" by investigators, has to date resulted in the seizure of nearly 11 kilograms (24 pounds) of methamphetamine, 584 grams (1.3 pounds) of cocaine, approximately $63,000 in cash, and over 20 firearms in South Carolina, according to the attorney general. (York County Sheriff's Office). Investigators said Finch, Huckabees wife, allegedly helped him distribute drugs while he was behind bars. In May 20, the South Carolina Attorney Generals Office announced that 26 people had been indicted for their alleged participation in a drug trafficking conspiracy operation, known as Operation Rocket Fuel, which involved Heroin and Methamphetamine but also other illegal narcotics. Angela Diana Childers, 40 years old, is currently in the Spartanburg County detention facility. These operations require technology, experience, and boots on the ground in order to gather enough information to arrest and successfully prosecute participants in the drug trade. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Fentanyl seized by York County Sheriff's deputies. We do not give them cell phones. GREENVILLE, S.C. . Six people have been charged in the operation: Javaris Johnson, 35; Quonzy Hope, 34; Thomas Perry, 29; Timario Gayton, 30; India Dixon, 36; and Jajuana Johnson, 32. High Point man arrested during SWAT Team drug bust in home near school; police seize over 30 guns, trafficking amounts of drugs, around $50,000 . According to the Oconee County Sheriff's Office, deputies were seeking 33 suspects with arrest warrants based on controlled purchases of narcotics by undercover operators working at the direction. According to the Sheriffs Office, deputies worked with the Clemson Police Department to seize the following in Mauldin. Thousands of kilos of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine were pumping into Greenville County.. All rights reserved. The hard work and dedication of the Greenville drug enforcement unit, SLED, and the South Carolina state grand jury has significantly decreased the availability of drugs in the Greenville community and arrested some of its worst drug dealers. Stirling says this would allow them to track the cellphones inside the prisons and shut them off. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. They go hand and glove together. For more information about our use of cookies, our collection, use, and disclosure of personal information generally, and any rights you may have to access, delete, or opt out of the sale of your personal information, please view our, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Bradford Betz is a Fox News Digital breaking reporter covering crime, political issues, and much more. Deputies from the Spartanburg County Narcotics Unit, with the help of the South Carolina Department of Corrections, began investigating in March 2022. Or "king's ransom" waiting to be found South Carolina Attorney General Announces Major Mexican Cartel Bust, S.C. 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The arrests and indictments were part of Operation Broken Branch, which targeted violent crime in the Cedar Branch area near Loris. Will Folksis the founding editor of the news outlet you are currently reading. These defendants are allegedly living among Jalisco New Generation Cartel members and sourcing drugs directly from the Cartel. Will we know who won the $747M Powerball jackpot? The long list of agencies who worked together for this case is a testament to the strength of our partnerships and our commitment to keeping our community safe., 15th Circuit Solicitors Office, Drug Enforcement Unit Commander Dean Bishop, This demonstrates how the 15th Circuit Solicitors Office Drug Enforcement Unit, along with our partners, will serve our communities by focusing on violent drug traffickers., Coastal Carolina University Police Department Chief David Roper, Due to the complex nature of large-scale drug operations, it is imperative that law enforcement agencies work together to combat such organizations. He said defendant Marcy Dawn Vickers allegedly fled in 2022, and defendant Kelli Edwards allegedly fled in October 2022. While no deaths have been linked to this specific drug operation, Mondays press conference was attended by family members who have lost loved ones to fentanyl, which is 50 times stronger than heroin. She is charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine over 400 grams. Huckabee is accused of leading the distribution ring of more than 5,200 grams of meth and nearly 100 grams of marijuana. State Attorney General Alan Wilson announced grand jury indictments Wednesday against the owners of the Los Primos restaurant in Greenville, S.C. We have an open microphone policy here at FITSNews! "We can identify where it's located in the prison yard, and then we can turn it over to the industry and within five days, they will turn it off. The owners of Los Primos on West Parker Road were trafficking drugs out of the restaurant and through taco trucks as well, investigators said. PHOTOS: Kilos of drugs seized from Greenville restaurant allegedly trafficking for cartel, Murdaugh defense to make closing arguments at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Murdaugh Trial, Day 26: Testimony gets heated during states rebuttal, Attorney Jack Swerling Discusses Closing Arguments in Murdaugh Trial, High School in Rutherford Co. responds to reported threat, Veterans Museum of The Carolinas Launches Lecture Series, Upstate Mom Turns Grief Into Action After Son's Death From Hazing, Missing man found dead in Madison Co. following extensive search, Greenville restaurant used food trucks to traffic drugs for cartels, AG says, kelli.radcliff@foxcarolina.com - 864-213-2103. Greenville, Laurens, Anderson, and defendant Kelli Edwards allegedly fled in October 2022 Edwards fled. Twenty-Three of the news outlet you are currently reading as seen in drug! Only with your consent of drugs flowing through Upstate South Carolina seized more than 30,000 grams of the than... 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