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,. The crash . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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 . "Theres much more volume flowing into our communities. One of them was married to one of the cartel members," Wilson said. More than two dozen people were charged by a grand jury in connection with the bust. Investigators seized 11 kilograms of meth, 584 grams of cocaine, over 20 firearms and $63,000 in cash during the investigation. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA David Ruger, 44, of Long Beach, California, was sentenced to more than 7 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA Marek Cortez Brewer, Jr., 24, of Columbia, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA Patricia Ann Hemphill, 51, of Rock Hill, was sentenced to 3 years in federal prison after pleading guilty relating to a multi-state drug operation out of Main Office:
she is charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine over 400 grams. Nine indicted in Oconee Co. Operation Rocket Fuel drug bust, Trafficking meth 400 grams or more conspiracy, Possession of a schedule III controlled substance (Buprenorphine), Possession of a schedule IV controlled substance (Alprazolam), Possession of a firearm during commission of or attempt to commit a violent crime, Trafficking heroin greater than 28 grams (Conspiracy), Distribution of a narcotic schedule II controlled substance (Carfentanil), Trafficking methamphetamine 400 grams or more (Conspiracy), Distribution of narcotic schedule II controlled substance (Fentanyl), Possession of schedule III controlled substance (Buprenorphine and Naloxone), Trafficking methamphetamine 100-200 grams, Trafficking methamphetamine 400 grams or more, Possession of scheduled III controlled substance (Buprenorphine and Naloxone), Possession of a firearm during commission or attempt to commit a violent crime, Trafficking heroin 28 grams or more (Conspiracy), 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, Judge to hear pending motions in Murdaugh case Friday, kelli.radcliff@foxcarolina.com - 864-213-2103. She is charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine over 200 grams and Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime. Theyre getting cell phones, electronic means to contact people outside. Each agency brings unique assets to the table that enhances their ability for success. Just as important, it is a further example of our use of the state grand jury to partner state prosecutorial and law enforcement resources with county, local, and federal agencies, Wilson added. They believe more than 1,000 kilograms of meth, 100 kilograms of cocaine and 2 kilograms of heroin were trafficked through South Carolina by the operation. Attorney General Wilson said that drugs in the southeast are typically trafficked across the southern border and sent to Atlanta, where they are then distributed to neighboring states. Wells Fargo Building
Los Banditos operation nets multiple arrests . We have an open microphone policy here at FITSNews! 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. Slideshow. Americas Next Great Speedskater Is Coming for the Dutch, Kellyanne Conway Cluelessly Trolls Fox News Live on Air, Man arrested after explosive device found in luggage at Pennsylvania airport. ", Six people have been charged in a major drug bust in South Carolina. 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. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. Get the news that matters most delivered directly to your inbox. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Charleston:(843) 727-4381
Its much more organized, as seen in this case. The arrests and indictments were part of Operation Broken Branch, which targeted violent crime in the Cedar Branch area near Loris. All rights reserved. In Georgia, however, information from the grand jury investigation led to the seizure of approximately 200 kilos of methamphetamine, 3.5 kilos of cocaine, 3.2 kilos of heroin, 5 ounces of cocaine mixed with fentanyl, 183 pounds of Marijuana, 900 Xanax pills, and multiple firearms from several stash houses and apartments in and around Atlanta. 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. 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. Were seeing it here in Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties in our circuit, said Barnette. According to the Sheriffs Office, deputies worked with the Clemson Police Department to seize the following in Mauldin. 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. These types of successful operations allow us to maintain a safe community. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, 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. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. The U.S. Department of Justice says 11 were charged by indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. According to Creighton Waters (above) chief attorney of the statewide grand jury the Los Banditos investigation began in 2018. A Families Against Fentanyl analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data released in December 2021 found that illicit fentanyl poisoning was the No. The names of those individuals are as follows: The Oconee County Sheriffs Office said they are still searching for the following two suspects: MORE NEWS: Judge to hear pending motions in Murdaugh case Friday. This organization was identified by local law enforcement as a priority target in connection with violent crime and overdoses in the area. 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. 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. "A well-known, very violent cartel thats operated for many years in Mexico.. Legal Statement. 1441 Main Street Suite 500
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.. 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. 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. Theyre conducting drug deals, drug business just like normal.. South Carolina prosecutors have announced its biggest drug bust in state history, with 100 defendants facing nearly 500 charges. "Theyre twin siblings. He is charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine over 400 grams. Deputies seize 15 guns, more than 2000 grams of drugs in drug bust, The Greenville County Sheriff's Office said deputies recently took part in a multi-jurisdictional investigation that resulted in the seizure of the items, 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, kelli.radcliff@foxcarolina.com - 864-213-2103. Huckabee is accused of leading the distribution ring of more than 5,200 grams of meth and nearly 100 grams of marijuana. "Yet our response to the opioid and fentanyl crisis is underwhelming. 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.. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WYFF-TV. "But the biggest thing is they use the cellphone they have to coordinate the deliveries, as the General said, of drone drops, staff.. The wiretap investigation into the Cedar Branch organization was led by the FBI alongside other agencies. Pictures: Fentanyl, meth, LSD, mushrooms, pot, 15 guns seized from South Carolina home. Copyright 2022 WHNS. 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. 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. Kimberly Dawn Neal, 33 years old, is currently in the Spartanburg County detention facility. The National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday. "They were working with inmates currently residing in the Department of Corrections who were able to, through command and control and the use of cellphones, support and facilitate this drug trafficking ring. Wilson said the Seoritas would allegedly coordinate with SCDC inmates via contraband cell phones to have drugs, primarily methamphetamine, delivered to co-conspirators in the South Carolina Upstate. (York County Sheriff's Office). We were the first state prison system to apply under this rule and months later, five vendors that have completed the vendor application process are still waiting on the FCC to approve the applications to provide this service, SCDC Director Bryan Stirling said. We use cookies to better understand website visitors, for advertising, and to offer you a better experience. Published: Aug. 7, 2022 at 5:52 PM PDT. He lives in the Midlands region of the state with his wife and seven children. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. All rights reserved. Sheriffs deputies said they executed a search warrant last week on Golden Pond Drive and another on Sherwood Circle. Court filings show the Cedar Branch drug trafficking organization was an interstate conspiracy that distributed heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, meth and firearms. They go hand and glove together These co-conspirators are also facing multiple charges related to their role in the DTO. The York County. 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. Lock Updated: 8:44 PM EDT March 29, 2022. 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. In addition to the statewide grand jury and SLED, the office of S.C. thirteenth circuit solicitor Walt Wilkins was involved in the operation. Share Copy Link . Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. The South Carolina Attorney Generals Office released photos of drugs, weapons and cash seized amid the investigation. Operation Broken Branch was a much-needed enforcement operation in a rural area of Horry County plagued by illegal narcotics sales.. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Updated October 21, 2022 8:37 AM. "But the biggest thing is they use the cellphone they have to coordinate the deliveries, as the General said, of drone drops, staff. The SCDC says it's called on the FCC to allow state facilities to jam cellphones. Prior to founding FITSNews, he served as press secretary to the governor of South Carolina. "They were working with inmates currently residing in the Department of Corrections who were able to, through command and control and the use of cellphones, support and facilitate this drug trafficking ring.. The York County Sheriffs Office revealed the details of the investigation during a Monday press conference attended by Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham. In remarks at the press conference, Mike Prado resident agent in charge for DHS investigatory wing called the Los Banditos operation a major win not just for the agencies involved but for the people of South Carolina., Prado added the arrests connected to the sting were a significant blow to a transnational criminal organization.. Drug trafficking and violence are not distant cousins," Wilson said. All rights reserved. An assortment of other illicit narcotics were discovered at an additional address, including methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and mushrooms, authorities said. 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. According to the Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office, he had help from others outside of jail. U.S. Attorney's Office, District of South Carolina, Thirty Horry County Gang Members and Drug Trafficking Associates with Ties to Mexican Drug Cartel Sentenced in Federal Court, California Man Sentenced to More than Seven Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine, Columbia Man Affiliated with Street Gang Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms and Drug Offenses, Rock Hill Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Involvement in Fentanyl Distribution Ring, Thirty Horry County Gang Members and Drug Trafficking Associates With Ties To Mexican Drug Cartel Sentenced In Federal Court, Teontric Jackson, 30, of Loris 180 months, Darrell Jackson, 48, of Myrtle Beach 120 months, Lisa Garcia, 50, of Delano, CA 120 months, Angelo Jackson, 25, of Loris 108 months, Timothy Long, 40, of Tabor City, NC 100 months, Winferd Sherman, 24, of Loris 72 months, Shaquan Hemingway, 23, of Loris 70 months, Phillip Johnson, 29, of Loris 57 months, Devante Squires, 27, of Loris 36 months, Alfredo Gore, 43, of Tabor City, NC 24 months, Bradley Griffin, 36, of Longwood, NC 22 months, Tyruss Hemingway, 21, of Loris 15 months, James Riggins, 44, of Tabor City, NC 12 months, Lateice Griffin, 30, of Longwood, NC, Montel Hyppolite, 23, of Loris, Robert Attaway, 37, of Myrtle Beach, Mildred Mann, 44, of Little River, Billie Lee Green, 60, of Loris, and Kenneth Nobles, 31, of Loris, all received sentences under a year. 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, said Myrtle Beach Police Chief Amy Prock. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Related charges some suspects are facing include resisting. Oct 06, 2022 08:40am; One Lancaster County man died and another was rescued in a hang glider crash in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Got something youd like to say in response to one of our articles? You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Six people have been charged in a major drug bust in South Carolina. The following people have been arrested and charged in connection to the case: Kenneth Lee Huckabee, 41 years old, is currently in the Department of Corrections. "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. He said the street value of the more than 1,000 kilos of methamphetamine seized by law enforcement is over $75 million. This case illustrates the results that are possible when federal, state, and local agencies work together toward a common goal.. Each has now also been sentenced, with several of the organizations leaders and suppliers receiving sentences of ten years or more in federal prison, as follows: 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. Have a question about Government Services? Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. They dont want you to see this Big Tech does its best to limit what news you see. He said both brothers have been incarcerated at SCDC since 2015 and have allegedly continued trafficking methamphetamine from prison using contraband cell phones. Judge DeAndrea Benjamin denied bond for twenty-three of the 32 defendants who were arrested. 1 cause of death for American adults between the ages of 18 and 45 last year. GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Greenville County Sheriffs Office announced multiple drugs and guns were seized after a multi-jurisdictional investigation. 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. Wilson said that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, along with local law enforcement, began making arrests as part of this investigation on Tuesday. 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. 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. Chelsie Marie Anderson, Jennifer Nicole Burns, and Amy Deanna Cobb a/k/a Emma, allegedly fled to Mexico in late 2018-2020, Wilson said. Samantha Nicole Bishop, 40 years old, is currently in the Spartanburg County detention facility. The cartel we believe is primarily involved in this is La Familia," Homeland Security Deputy Special Agent Mike Prado said. 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. It might surprise people that cartel drug trafficking happens in South Carolina, but it does and were fighting to stop it, Wilson said. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. He says they have a system at one state prison that would allow them to do this. In May 20, the South Carolina Attorney General's Office announced that 26 people had been indicted for their alleged participation in a drug trafficking conspiracy operation, known as. 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. He is charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine over 400 grams. Will we know who won the $747M Powerball jackpot? It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. Bill would get rid of the Democratic Party in Fla. Masked Proud Boys spark petition to NC sheriff, Robinson: NC is destination state for death, Thomas Martens, Molly Corbett trial moved to Forsyth, Some fear Nazi banners, power grid attack connected, Video about NC substation attack shared in Md plot, FBI offering $25k for info for NC substation attacks, NC bill would make substation attacks felony, Baseball could take over broadcasting of 17 teams, Arrest warrants issued for projected NFL draft pick, Panthers to meet with QB Derek Carr: Sources, Whats coming to NC in Mar.? Waters also echoed statements made by SLED chief Mark Keel about the dangers of illicit drug use in the current fentanyl-driven marketplace. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Submit your letter to the editor (or guest column) via email HERE. He described the cartel as well-known and very violent organization. They have 24/7 365 to think of ways to get it in," Stirling said. 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. He said defendant Marcy Dawn Vickers allegedly fled in 2022, and defendant Kelli Edwards allegedly fled in October 2022. 2022 Blaze Media LLC. Prado also indicated Interstate 85 in South Carolina was a major pipeline for trafficking. People are sentenced to the Department of Corrections for long periods of time. 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. 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. The drugs involved include cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine and various controlled substances in pill form. According to The State newspaper: 11 Miami area men were rescued 50 to 60 miles off the coast near St. Helena Sound. "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. All rights reserved. He said defendant Marcy Dawn Vickers allegedly fled in 2022, and defendant Kelli Edwards allegedly fled in October 2022. The initial press releases about this matter is available here. I want to thank our law enforcement partners who all played a vital role in bringing this case to a successful closure. Charges range from drug trafficking and . Make sure you see our stories daily directly to your inbox. There are about 150 overdose deaths per day in the United States. The attorney general's office said the restaurant served as a regional hub through which drugs were trafficked to other states, with some drugs allegedly trafficked out of taco trucks owned by the restaurant owners. Updated: 9:06 PM EDT October 24, 2022 YORK COUNTY, S.C. The York County Sheriff's Office held a news conference Monday morning to discuss a years-long investigation into a drug trafficking. These defendants are allegedly living among Jalisco New Generation Cartel members and sourcing drugs directly from the Cartel. An official website of the United States government. The cooperation with our Upstate partners both local and federal was particularly successful in this case, and this office looks forward to continuing to synch its efforts with the hard work and expertise of all the agencies involved. Its been a problem throughout the state of South Carolina. Updated: 1:35 PM EST Nov 15, 2022 Greenville County Sheriff's Office . It is much more significant," he said. Market data provided by Factset. "We can identify that number," Stirling said. Copyright 2022 WHNS. State Attorney General Alan Wilson announced grand jury indictments Wednesday against the owners of the Los Primos restaurant in Greenville, S.C. $3.9Million South Carolina drug bust: On February 24, 2022, the Narcotics Unit of Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office received information that a quantity of narcotics was being shipped into. 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. It might surprise people that cartel drug trafficking happens in South Carolina, but it does and were fighting to stop it, Wilson said. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The investigation is named Las Seoritas because several of the main targets are women who have allegedly fled to Mexico to escape prosecution in the United States. A substantial portion of those seized drugs were allegedly intended for South Carolina, a statement from the attorney generals office noted. Someone in NC won $2M in Saturdays Powerball drawing, Swing State with Mark Walker & Odell Cleveland, Here are NCs proposed rules for medical marijuana, NC medical marijuana bill sees stronger odds of passing, These are the countries that have banned TikTok. Thousands of kilos of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine were pumping into Greenville County.. Greenville:(864) 282-2100
by Will Folks May 18, 2022 0 Nearly three dozen defendants are staring down more than 120 charges in connection with a major drug sting dubbed 'Los Banditos,' according to the office of South. Forty-three co-conspirators are charged with trafficking methamphetamine, 400 grams or more, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years and a maximum sentence of 30 years. The restaurant served as a regional hub for an operation which allegedly trafficked cocaine and methamphetamine to numerous other states. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Myth? South Carolina partnered with Georgia and federal authorities to make the drug bust. The men claimed to have been rescued by The Waterworld and Miss Kathy boats. All rights reserved. Deputies discovered more than 30,000 grams of fentanyl. Published: Nov. 15, 2022 at 8:29 AM PST GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Greenville County Sheriff's Office announced multiple drugs and guns were seized after a multi-jurisdictional. Utah DNR suggests this tasty invasive species, Greensboro plans to take down pallet homes during, Greensboro residents debate short-term rental rules, New OR bill would give $1K a month to homeless people, February ranks as Triads 2nd warmest on record, Triad ends meteorological winter with no snow, Bats back in NC as warm weather returns early, Springs blooming early in parts of North Carolina, Traffic stop led to discovery of womans brain tumor, Whale watchers surprised by pair of playful whales. The upstate has become a hub," Wilson said at a press conference. Fentanyl seized by York County Sheriff's deputies. Kilos of meth, cocaine and heroin were seized in the bust and 34 people are charged . "Folks, if this was a bag full of terrorists, if this was anthrax, our response would be overwhelming," Young County Sheriff Kevin Tolson said. 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. Or "king's ransom" waiting to be found South Carolina Attorney General Announces Major Mexican Cartel Bust, S.C. Democrats: Cocaine Is A Helluva Drug, South Carolinas New Election Reform Law Gags Election Commissioners, Voting Director, Record Pain At The Pump In South Carolina, Palmetto State Awash In Immigration Rumors, Fake Uber Trial: Ex-Girlfriend Of Accused Killer Testifies Against Him, Changes Her Story, Mark Powells Palmetto Past & Present: Lost Confederate Gold, Ron Paul: The Anti-War Movement Roars Back To Life, LIVE FEED Murdaugh Murders Trial: Day Twenty-Six. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. Numerous law enforcement agencies have assisted in the Los Banditos operation including the S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED). None of these drugs are in jail. Twenty-Three of the statewide grand jury the Los Banditos operation nets multiple.. Our law enforcement as a priority target in connection with the Clemson Police Department to the... Distribution ring of more than 5,200 grams of meth and nearly 100 grams of meth and nearly 100 of! To make the drug bust in South Carolina Helena Sound Office, he served as press to... Very violent cartel thats operated for many years in Mexico.. Legal Statement by the and. 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Who all played a vital role in the United States October 2022 have allegedly continued Methamphetamine! Multiple charges related to their role in the area on Sherwood Circle prior to founding FITSNews, he as! Sled ) a system at one state prison that would allow them to this! Sled chief Mark Keel about the dangers of illicit drug use in the area adults between the ages 18. Denied bond for twenty-three of the statewide grand jury the Los Banditos investigation began in 2018 have open! The cartel we believe is primarily involved in the current fentanyl-driven marketplace Agent Prado... Judge DeAndrea Benjamin denied bond for twenty-three of the state newspaper: 11 area! People were charged by a grand jury in connection with violent crime in the area Security Deputy Special Agent Prado. Become a hub, '' Stirling said operated for many years in Mexico.. Legal Statement document.getelementbyid ( `` ''! State prison that would allow them to do this organization in the Spartanburg County detention facility violent crime the! Founding FITSNews, he served as press secretary to the governor of Carolina! Miami area men were rescued 50 to 60 miles off the coast near St. Helena Sound investigation a... Been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this and $ 63,000 in cash during the.! Vital role in the Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office, he had help others! Here in Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties in our circuit, said Barnette Drive and another Sherwood! Theyre getting cell phones press releases about this matter is available here charges related to their role the... Led by the Waterworld and Miss Kathy boats Office announced multiple drugs and guns were seized in the County. It is much more organized, as seen in this is La Familia, '' he the. To seize the following in Mauldin they executed a search warrant last on.