170 charges filed against defendants linked to Mexican cartel . Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Banned items included crack cocaine, knives, tobacco, guns, phones, and even candy. The arrests culminated a five-months investigation by the FBI, the Coast Guard, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Customs Service and the Beaufort County Sheriff's Department. U.S Attorney E. Bart Daniel said the half-ton of uncut cocaine valued at $10 million was the largest confiscation of drugs in South Carolina history. It was a devastating blow to the task force. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. First Published: 1:00 PM PDT, May 19, 2022 Officials seized paraphernalia in South Carolina and Georgia, leading to 34 individuals facing charges. Mark Powellisanaward-winning former TV journalist, government communications veteran, and a political consultant. Now Canadian cops have charged pastor with hate crime. Greenville, South Carolina--- Acting United States Attorney M. Rhett Dehart announced today that, on Thursday, August 12, 2021, a joint team of 130 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers simultaneously executed 20 federal search warrants and arrested 12 individuals charged in a 34-count federal indictment for their roles in a drug trafficking organization that operated primarily . Simpson Says Hes Not Qualified To Say If Alex Murdaugh Did It. He counted playwright Tennessee Williams as a client and musician Jimmy Buffett as a friend. Both sides ceased fire when the smugglers boats arrived to pick up hashish because drug money paid for the war to go on. He said, Hi Bart, my names Christy Campbell, and Im here to turn myself in, says Bart. But, by pooling their collective expertise, they were an extraordinarily effective weapon against drug smuggling. U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District N.C. Michael Easley announces at the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office the arrest of 20 . Hero Down: Broward Sheriffs Office Sergeant Kevin Forsberg Dies Unexpectedly. The trucks run by Mexican restaurant Los Primos. Kentucky man stops for breakfast, wins $50,000 lottery prize. We have an open microphone policy here at FITSNews! COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - According to the FBI Columbia Field Office and the Columbia Violent Gang Task Force, nine people were indicted Tuesday for drug . However, it looks like a lot to us. A wall in the back of the room filled with pictures of young people in the same situation. 2023 Blaze Media LLC. Forty-three co-conspirators are charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine, 400 Grams or More (Conspiracy), which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years and a maximum sentence of 30 years. One of the hottest rumors in Hampton county, South Carolina at the moment is that a massive drug bust orchestrated last month by sheriff Thomas "T.C." Smalls is somehow tied to a brutal double homicide that took place in early June at a hunting compound owned by one of the Palmetto State's most prominent families. If you are the author or represent the host site and would like this content removed now and in the future, please contact USSANews.com using the email address in the Contact page found in the website menu. I dont think so either but others have theorized about it so I thought Id post just to show there had been an investigation going on in Hampton county for a year. The product was better and fetched a higher price. The escapades are daring and dangerous, with heart pounding chases, life-threatening clashes with nature, and audacious smugglers halting a raging civil war on more than one occasion. These are low level dealers. 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. Firefighters hoist horse stranded in backyard swimming pool. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. WALTERBORO, S.C. (WCSC/Gray News) - The jury in the Alex Murdaugh murder trial has convicted the disbarred Lowcountry attorney of murdering his wife and son. March 2 (UPI) -- A Florida woman earned a Guinness World Record when she completed 23 ultra-marathon runs -- 31.1 miles -- in a 23-day period. The five Colombians in custody are Jorge Samuel Cruz, Luis F. Taboada-Garcia, Felipe Janer and Juan Carlos Perez. Florida woman runs ultra-marathon distances for 23 consecutive days. . Barry Foy and Les were making so much money it was hard to figure out what to do with it all. The co-conspirators would then drive to Atlanta and other locations to pick up kilograms of methamphetamine, bring it to South Carolina, and then distribute it in the Upstate, according to police and prosecutors. <p>Pounds of various drugs were transported by taco trucks owned by a restaurant as part of a large drug-dealing operation in South Carolina, state authorities said Wednesday.</p> The couple is also known as Rob and Lynn Greene. The theory would hold more weight if there were rumors or gossip of drug use coming out of the woodwork, but I dont think any have come to light. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family Broward Sheriffs Office Sergeant Kevin Forsberg, both blood and blue. We need to bring awareness to this issue, that drug dealers are not dealing drugs anymore. The property had a deep water dock. Among those arrested on drug-trafficking and conspiracy charges were three Hilton Head Island residents and five Colombians. They were executed with premeditation. Similarly, this is why they chose not to traffic cocaine. Henry immediately sought to attack drug smuggling at the highest levels of the trade. Curiously, though, police did not immediately say what type of drug Jonathan Sears allegedly possessed/ intended to distribute. And yes, he has LOTS of hats (including the above-pictured Washington Senators lid). The Delhi Police on Wednesday destroyed over 2,800 kgs of . ago In a case reaching both sides of the Rio Grande, 43 Upstate drug trafficking defendants now face a total of 170 charges after being indicted by the South Carolina statewide grand jury. The agents deserve all the credit, says Bart Daniel of the task force. With that, Barrys career as a drug smuggler launched, and he enjoyed legendary status among Columbias marijuana enthusiasts. 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. Even though task force members cooperated with one another, their superiors sometimes tried to throw up turf-related roadblocks. It wouldnt be the best idea but who knows? Among the chief targets of Operation Jackpot were South Carolina marijuana kingpins Barry Foy, from Billinge and Les Riley, who stood accused of smuggling 347,000 pounds of marijuana and 130,000 pounds of hashish into the United States. Got a tip or a story idea for Mark? Police from the Lee County sheriff's office, in coordination with South Carolina correctional authorities, made the busts following an eight-month investigation into the rings, which used drones to make late-night deliveries of contraband to the prison. Plantation, FL Broward Sheriffs Office (BSO) Sergeant Kevin Forsberg died unexpectedly on Jan. 27. Last week, deputies seized more than 30,000 grams of the drug fentanyl from a home on Golden Pond Drive in Clover. This would totally explain why LE is keeping such a tight, tight lid on everything. 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. The investigation was dubbed Las Seoritas because several women among the main targets allegedly fled to Mexico to escape prosecution in the United States. We are forever indebted to his brave service and pray that he will Rest In Peace. Many of the drugs were allegedly trafficked out of the restaurant, and also out of taco trucks owned by the restaurant, officials said. Assistant United States Attorneys Cam Currie, Bob Jendron, Cam Littlejohn, and Bart Daniel assisted in the effort both by helping with asset identification and seizure and with prying criminals out of the countries where they were hiding. Thousands of kilos of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine were pumping into Greenville County.. In this article we take a look at the 18 biggest drug busts in US history. So far, law enforcement has only publicly said that a large amount of marijuana was discovered at a residence on Canal Street drive in Columbia, S.C. along with cash and a firearm. According to Governor McMaster, The task force decided to use that publicity to let them know we were coming. Some smugglers quickly surrendered or were easily arrested and took plea deals in exchange for testifying against their co-defendants. Surrey couple plans to pay off mortgage after winning $500,000. Folks, if this was a bag full of terrorists, if this was anthrax, our response would be overwhelming. The return trip home was worse, especially when they were fired upon when straying too close to Cuba. LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) - Lexington County deputies have arrested a 26-year-old man after investigators found more than 90 pounds of marijuana in his home. Given their standards and their college educations, the two men were nicknamed the Gentlemen Smugglers.. The longest sentence went to Lee Harvey, who received 40 years for drug smuggling, possession of machine guns and silencers, intimidation of a grand jury witness, and racketeering, among other charges. Operation Jackpot was a federal drug task force based in South Carolina that captured and convicted more than 100 marijuana smugglers from 1983 to 1986 during President Ronald Reagan's War on Drugs. Federal drug unit targets South Surrey home in bust spanning Lower Mainland. They owned homes on St. Barthlemy and drank copious amounts of expensive wine. ", Woman wins $100,000 lottery prize 11 hours after $11,000 casino jackpot. Obviously this news outlet will keep close tabs on this investigation as it moves forward . pic.twitter.com/d7G9ESlzUY, Florida Police Benevolent Association (@FL_PBA) January 30, 2023. In the 1970s, kingpins and Columbia natives Les Riley and Barry Foy smuggled an astounding amount of marijuana and hashish into South Carolina, equating $1.8 billion in today's dollars. According to arrest records, 33-year-old Geoffrey Sears was charged with manufacturing marijuana while 39-year-old Jonathan Sears was charged with possession with intent to distribute and a separate charge of possession with intent to distribute in close proximity to a school. Man who sent videos of adults sexually abusing infants to FBI agent sentenced to 19 years, Questions mount about how John Fetterman was allegedly able to pen letter with fellow Democrats while under supervision for depression in hospital, Thug breaks through child's bedroom window in middle of night but Dad gets whole family out of home, grabs machete, and takes hack at crook, Newly released footage shows horrific moment a suspect fleeing police in stolen vehicle smashed into a sedan, bringing down a building. In January 1981, Ronald Reagan became president and promoted a stiff policy on drugs. David and Chuck fed questions to her for the kingpin and used the information to set a trap. Investigators say six defendants in Mexico are now living among Jalisco New Generation Cartel members and are sourcing drugs directly from the cartel. CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Nine people are facing federal charges after a major drug bust in the Hollywood area of southern Charleston County. Also, these arrests are reportedly just the beginning of a much broader investigation . In 1971, they asked Barry and another hotel guest to sail to Jamaica to bring back 400 pounds of marijuana. Drugs Worth Rs 1,500 Crore Destroyed In Delhi Over 8 Years, 154 Arrested. Last week, deputies seized over 30,000 grams of the drug fentanyl from a home on Golden Pond Drive in Clover. They learned they could make more money if they obtained their product from Colombia rather than Jamaica. He lives in the Midlands region of the state with his wife and seven children. Cartels dont play games. Drugs, money, torture and murder were all part of a detailed web of gang-related, organized crime that flourished in South Carolina from at least 2017 until now, according to a federal. We use cookies to better understand website visitors, for advertising, and to offer you a better experience. 'This has been the most aggressive, high-tech, team-oriented operation in the history of South Carolina,' Daniel said. Soldiers would sometimes even help load drugs onto the boats and then, once they were clear of land, fighting resumed. Hes an incredible person to me of course. Id want to see the actual lab result before I believed it. The smugglers also borrowed plantations along the coast owned by rich Northerners who rarely visited. An abandoned van full of sacks of Lebanese hashish was found following a raid on Edisto Island in November 1981. 8,333 people were booked in the last 30 days (Order: Booking Date ) First Prev Theyre dealing death, Tolson said. It was just talked on Wednesday, see you later and there was no later, she said. U. S. Attorney Ron Parsons announced on Wednesday that 37 people have been federally-indicted as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces' Operation Say Uncle. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. When that happened, the task force only had to call on Henry, who bulldozed through any problem using the considerable political power at his disposal. This month the DEA made the biggest. Daniel said the cocaine could have been sold for about $100 million if processed into crack. He was also a member of the cast of A&Es The First 48, where he and his team raced to solve murders immediately after crimes are committed. They grew their network to include names like Tom Rolex Rhoad, John Smokin Sneakers Jamison, Ashley Brunson, Bob Willie the Whale Bauer, Christy Campbell, and Frank Gunn, to name just a few, and occasionally partnered with a Virginia smuggling ring led by Barry Ice Cream Toombs that included Virginia brothers Lee and Michael Harvey. Drug traffickers used a Mexican eatery and taco trucks to transport drugs around South Carolina, state prosecutors said Wednesday. Bob Duncan said, 'It will be studied in law enforcement academies for many semesters on how this went so smoothly. Published: Dec. 10, 2021 at 4:07 PM PST. Two rules were sacrosanct: no guns and no smuggling cocaine. This content is made available by use of the public RSS feed offered by the host site and is used for educational purposes only. To source the best marijuana, Barry partnered with another smuggler named Bob the Boss Byers, who took Barry into the mountains of Colombia to meet farmers directly. The McCoys were served with notice of the states intention to seek life without the possibility of parole at their bond hearings last week. Could a rash of recent date rapes in this college town be the focus of city polices ongoing investigation?. COLUMBIA, S.C. State prosecutors have charged 100 people in what they said Monday was the largest number of defendants ever indicted in one drug operation in South Carolina courts. Email him at mark@fitsnews.com. March 3 (UPI) -- A Massachusetts library said a book was recently returned with a note apologizing for the tome being 56 years overdue. While it was a more lucrative product, cocaine smugglers invariably toted automatic weapons. Also, 2 guys were arrested one month before the murders on drug charges: https://fox28media.com/news/local/deputies-2-arrested-meth-seized-in-hampton-county-south-carolina-drug-operation 13 51 51 comments New Add a Comment Tardis301 1 min. South Carolina drug bust catches Charleston college drug ring pushing cocaine, Ecstasy and Xanax By Tobias Salinger NEW YORK DAILY NEWS Jun 24, 2016 at 8:06 pm Nine young people arrested as. All Rights Reserved. So both were allegedly dealing marijuana, right? The man, now-identified as Detric McGowan, was arrested Tuesday morning in a U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) drug bust, reports CBS South Carolina affiliate WSPA-TV. Henry and Assistant U.S. Attorney John McIntosh and Cam Littlejohn assisted the Australian prosecutors at the hearing. Methinks a killer(s) may be among those photos?! Cam Currie, Bob Jendron, and David Forbes traveled to Australia to meet with authorities there and explain the severity of the charges against the men. Wilder still, the two main characters hail from Columbia, South Carolina. South Carolina partnered with Georgia and federal authorities to make the drug bust. LEXINGTON, S.C. (WIS) - A more than two-year investigation landed 17 people in federal custody as authorities busted a drug trafficking ring in the Midlands. As native South Carolinians, they did not take long to settle on the lush Carolina coast, with its virtually endless waterways and, in the 1970s, undeveloped seclusion. On Monday (March 8) South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson said that, so far, 100 people are facing 297 counts and 487 charges total, News 19 reports. Tolson said the amount of fentanyl recovered in the bust was enough to kill every person in York County. All rights reserved. According to investigators, the large drug operation trafficked in more than 1,000 kilograms of methamphetamine, or more than 2,200 pounds. Between February 1, 2021, and December 14, 2022, law enforcement seized over 25 kilograms of methamphetamine (with a street value of approximately $800,000) and 30 guns as part of this investigation. On the other side are the avengers the scores of investigators and prosecutors that read like a whos who of South Carolina legal minds. This major drug trafficking ring was anything but unbelievable, said Solicitor Walt Wilkins. It was a winning decision not just for the Operation Jackpot prosecutors but also for the global war on drugs because it would discourage future American drug kingpins from fleeing to those countries to avoid prosecution. He was really fun to be with. He is also an author and an avid Civil War enthusiast. Now it's closing after donors sent school a big message. Barry and Les met in Key West where, in 1973, Barry persuaded Les that smuggling grass was much more lucrative than cutting it. The York County sheriff provided more information Monday on a huge drug bust. I believe it was his girlfriend, Morgan Doughty, that said he used cocaine on multiple occasions during her sworn deposition. 2023 Columbia Metropolitan. Prior to founding FITSNews, he served as press secretary to the governor of South Carolina and before that he was a bass player and a dive bar bouncer. We invite thought provoking exchanges while sharing facts from reliable sources and discussing distinguished theories and speculation while showing the utmost consideration and respect for the victims and being mindful of due process. Lt. Robert Stewart became Chief of SLED, and Cam Currie became a U.S. District Court judge. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Bob Byers got a 25-year sentence plus eight years for his escape. McClellanvilles creeks were popular, too. News of these arrests was first sent to our tip line early Friday morning and FITSNews sent a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the city seeking information related to the arrests over the weekend. Taylor Lynnette Glover (Lancaster County Sheriff's Office) Under South Carolina law, trafficking in cocaine is a felony punishable by a prison term of between 25 and 30 years, no part of which may be suspended nor probation granted and a fine of up to $200,000. According to a news. All these kids have had other friends that have died, said Alsobrooks. 'F****** AMATEUR HOUR': Furious Democrats lash out at Biden for announcement on radical DC crime law, Gun-toting road-rage motorist shot dead after armed man warns him to stop approaching him and his wife; cops say it looks like self-defense, Railroad union: Workers getting sick at site of Norfolk Southern's catastrophic hazmat spill in East Palestine, Teen bragged in rap song about killing another rapper, sheriff says, but cried 'like a baby that lost his pacifier' when charged with murder, Florida man allegedly told roommate, 'Im going to go over there and kill them all' before murdering his daughter and 3 others, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Within a short time, the men identified Barry as someone who recently used cash for a large land purchase. That is apparently the maximum for the possession with intent to distribute fentanyl drug charges. 'They were headed for New York City and Miami.'. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. All rights reserved. What is the talk on the street? Jonathan Sears who owns or co-owns a lengthy list of Columbia establishments including The Bird Dog, The Cotton Gin, The Gourmet Shop, Hendrix, Jakes Bar and Pavlovs was arrested along with his relative, Geoffrey Sears, on Blossom Street last Thursday by officers of the Columbia, S.C. police department (CPD). In a statement released jointly by the National Sheriff's Association, Major County Sheriffs of America, Western States Sheriffs' Association, Southwestern Border Sheriffs' Coalition, and Texas Border Sheriff's Coalition, the groups asserted "that the two main drivers of illicit drugs leading to overdoses and violence into the U.S. are Sinaloa All Rights Reserved. 5, 2022 at 7:26 PM EDT . He was an assistant United States attorney at the time. He said the street value of the more than 1,000 kilos of methamphetamine seized by law enforcement is over $75 million. But these moms believe getting some of the big fish off the street could save the lives of many. Updated October 21, 2022 8:37 AM. Wilder still, the two main characters hail from Columbia, South Carolina. CLICK HERE. It might surprise people that cartel drug trafficking happens in South Carolina, but it does and were fighting to stop it, Wilson said. Wild as it seems, the story is true. The numbers led back to Les. RAPID CITY, S.D. 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. In college at the University of South Carolina, Les was known to take his dates to the roof of Cornell Arms to smoke marijuana and enjoy the sunset. At this point, it is not immediately clear how either Jonathan or Geoffrey Sears would be connected to such an investigation but hopefully our FOIA request will yield additional information as to the nature (and the status) of this inquiry. Consider it one of the more comic scenes in an $850 million drug-smuggling saga that rocked the South Carolina Lowcountry in the early 1980s. Police in Costa Rica Seize 4.3 Tons of Cocaine, 2nd-Largest Drug Bust in Country's History, Month-Long Operation Ends in Huge California Drug Bust as $1.19 Billion in Marijuana Is Seized, Argentine Cops Bust Drug Ring Allegedly Using Fake World Cup Trophies to Smuggle Drugs, 26 Tons Of Cocaine Seized Offshore In Historic U.S. Drug Smuggling Bust. U.S. Attorney Henry McMaster stands next to the Dutch Treat, a yacht owned by queenpin Carol Amend until its seizure by the U.S. government under the then-untested legal tactic of civil asset forfeiture. Paul and drugs are rumors . The upstate has become a hub," Wilson said at a press conference. Patty Roberts is not mincing her words when speaking on fentanyl. By FOX Carolina News Staff. March 2 (UPI) -- A Maryland woman scored a $100,000 prize from a scratch-off lottery ticket less than 12 hours after she scored an $11,000 jackpot at a casino. North Carolina. HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. -- A yacht loaded with 1,100 pounds of cocaine was seized by federal agents on luxurious Hilton Head Island in a raid that federal officials said Thursday smashed an international drug smuggling ring. CLICK HERE. Youre gonna eventually know someone this has happened to and I think Cody would be very proud of all of us for trying to help stop this problem, said Alsobrooks. Barry was apprehended at the LaGuardia airport wearing a full-length mink coat. On Wednesday, a Durham man was arrested after a chase hitting 120 mph and the "Gray Death" drug was found, deputies say. Chelsie Marie Anderson, Jennifer Nicole Burns, and Amy Deanna Cobb a/k/a Emma allegedly fled to Mexico in late 2018-2020. Smugglers Barry Foy, Les Riley, and Wally Butler celebrate a days catch in Hilton Head at a king mackerel tournament, where they blended into society while leading secret lives. The adventurous will enjoy tales of exotic locales, fugitive escapades, and mountains of drugs and money. Holly Alsobrooks son Cody is one of them. They felt guns were unnecessary and, in fact, invited violence. After college, Les moved to Key West and started a landscaping business, cutting grass for $5. Les and Barry considered marijuana a nearly legal product. 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. The two men were nicknamed "the Gentlemen Smugglers" given their standards and college education. The two men were nicknamed the Gentlemen Smugglers given their standards and college education.