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. Firefighters hoist horse stranded in backyard swimming pool. Thats so many kids that could have died. 4-day drug sweep nets 19 arrests in Hampton County Forsbergs death in a Facebook post several days later. The surviving Gentlemen Smugglers still gather occasionally at an event they call The Felons Ball., In the fall of 1986, in a speech in Columbia, President Reagan said, Operation Jackpot was our first major breakthrough in our war on drugs.. South Carolina busts gangs flying contraband to prison by drone 37 people indicted in large-scale meth trafficking network Thousands of kilos of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine were pumping into Greenville County.. CLICK HERE. "Theres much more volume flowing into our communities. 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. After a drug bust in South Carolina, 34 people are facing charges, according to the press release from the South Carolina attorney general. These losers may have been the only people left in the county who would hang out with Paul. 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 . 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. Heres the link to the podcast on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@MurdaughMurders?si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE, IMO This seems way more relevant knowing what we know now! The Florida Police Benevolent Association (FPBA) also released a statement in the wake of the longtime sergeants death. Detric McGowan Arrested in Alleged South Carolina Drug Bust after Story Went Viral February 27, 2019, 4:19 PM This good Samaritan who went viral for buying $540 worth of Girl Scout cookies was. SEE IT: Bidens message to Zelenskyy written in Ukraine Royal Palace guest book, Twitter 2023 USSA News, The Tea Party's Front Page. He described Hilton Head Island as a 'transhipment point' in the operation, noting that the island is well-suited for smuggling because of its access to deep water. 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. Feds bust major meth trafficking ring in Lexington, 17 arrested - WIS March 3 (UPI) -- Firefighters in Britain responded to a home to rescue a horse that had fallen into its owner's swimming pool and was unable to get itself out. 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. Our hearts go out to Sergeant Kevin Forsbergs family, friends and colleagues at Broward Sheriffs Office where he served in the BSOs Homicide Unit, the FPBA said. SC grand jury indicts 34 accused in 2-state drug ring - Live 5 News 170 charges filed against defendants linked to Mexican cartel . Another tip came through phone numbers salvaged from a suspected drug boat scuttled in the Edisto River. York County Sheriff Kevin Tolson gathered with some S.C. lawmakers Monday, including Sen. Lindsey Graham, to talk about the lack of laws to combat fentanyl in the state. Cape Fear Bust: 20 arrests, 50 weapons, 10,000 grams of narcotics. He was an assistant United States attorney at the time. U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District N.C. Michael Easley announces at the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office the arrest of 20 . 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 todays dollars. McClellanvilles creeks were popular, too. Les Riley grew up just a few miles from downtown Columbia. A man has been arrested for a major drug bust in Rutherford County, according to the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office. After a drug bust in South Carolina,. 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. His upbringing was typical of the South, with plenty of time spent hunting, fishing, and escorting the occasional debutante. Their synergy was really something.. Cape Fear Bust: 20 arrests, 50 weapons, 10,000 grams of narcotics Investigators say six defendants in Mexico are now living among Jalisco New Generation Cartel members and are sourcing drugs directly from the cartel. Yet our response to the opioid and fentanyl crisis is underwhelming, Tolson said. '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. That is apparently the maximum for the possession with intent to distribute fentanyl drug charges. On Wednesday, a Durham man was arrested after a chase hitting 120 mph and the "Gray Death" drug was found, deputies say. Arrests resulted in insignificant charges, if any, so the two did not feel they were doing anything really criminal. 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. The Delhi Police on Wednesday destroyed over 2,800 kgs of . Similarly, this is why they chose not to traffic cocaine. The property had a deep water dock. 7-year-old baseball umpire seeks Guinness World Record. South Carolina Grand Jury Indicts 43 In 'Las Senoritas' Drug Ring South Carolina: Cartel drug trafficking investigation 9 arrested after drug bust in Greenwood County, deputies say. Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony announced Sgt. The York County. https://youtube.com/@MurdaughMurders?si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE, https://www.augustachronicle.com/story/news/local/hampton-county-guardian/2021/07/27/two-more-suspects-custody-operation-pentagon-arrest-tally-now-20/5385106001/. The third island resident was identified as Kathy G. Gerald, 39. represent clients in a variety of civil and criminal matters. 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. The task force, in concert with the U.S. Attorneys Office, worked to bring the Gentlemen Smugglers and their associates to justice. Forsberg oversaw a unit of dedicated men and women, who all collectively work tirelessly to protect the community from some of societys most dangerous individuals, his obituary read. Operation Jackpot defendants were tried in three large batches and represented by well-known South Carolina defense attorneys such as Gedney Howe, Arthur Howe, Ed Bell, and Sol Blatt. Will Folksis the founding editor of the news outlet you are currently reading. Press J to jump to the feed. It is a drop in the bucket. Bob Duncan said, 'It will be studied in law enforcement academies for many semesters on how this went so smoothly. Feds charge 9 with drug charges after 2-year investigation - Live 5 News The five Colombians in custody are Jorge Samuel Cruz, Luis F. Taboada-Garcia, Felipe Janer and Juan Carlos Perez. 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. SPARTANBURG COUNTY, SC (WSPA) - Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright announced Thursday charges for 53 suspects during their Operation Repeat Offender drug operation. Operation Pentagon : r/MurdaughFamilyMurders - reddit Or an issue youd like to address proactively? With each trip, Barry and Les learned more about the smuggling business. South Carolina prosecutors have announced its biggest drug bust in state history, with 100 defendants facing nearly 500 charges. 'This has been the most aggressive, high-tech, team-oriented operation in the history of South Carolina,' Daniel said. Minnesota officer removes jar from raccoon's head. He spent his free time his senior year burning up the road between Columbia and Key West, where he worked as a doorman and eventually met his partner in crime, Barry Foy, in 1973. In the 1970s, the drug was widely used, and the publics attitude was apathetic. According to investigators, the large drug operation trafficked in more than 1,000 kilograms of methamphetamine, or more than 2,200 pounds. In this article we take a look at the 18 biggest drug busts in US history. At Henry and Brians suggestion, the two began following the money. All rights reserved. with 100 defendants facing nearly 500 charges, sending drugs and phones into prison through hollowed out court transcripts, Do not sell or share my personal information. Mandy does an amazing job with her investigative journalism. Back then, the U.S. Attorneys Office had little security and nothing to keep someone from walking off the street and into a prosecutors office. He said the street value of the more than 1,000 kilos of methamphetamine seized by law enforcement is over $75 million. The owner of multiple businesses in the Five Points shopping and entertainment district in downtown Columbia, South Carolina - and the former vice president of its influential neighborhood. 'In layman's terms, this is enough cocaine for . Thanks to a corrupt jailer, Bob later escaped from a Charleston County jail and disappeared. 5, 2022 at 7:26 PM EDT . 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). 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. 'For the most part, these drugs were not headed for South Carolina,' he said. Ultimately, Operation Jackpot would indict four smuggling rings operating in South Carolina. The Seoritas allegedly coordinated with inmates at the S.C. Department of Corrections (SCDC) via contraband cell phones to deliver drugs primarily methamphetamine to co-conspirators in the South Carolina Upstate. 18 Biggest Drug Busts In U.S. History - Yahoo! 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. Representatives from various federal agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Agency, United States Customs, and the IRS, were invited to a meeting in Columbia to form a task force along with SLED. Specifically, date rape druggings which are alleged to have occurred at Sears establishments. 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. Bob Byers got a 25-year sentence plus eight years for his escape. 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. The verdict came in shortly before 7 p . While law enforcement had tried to catch the smugglers in the past and, in a few instances, succeeded, they were hampered in the 1970s by unsophisticated or nonexistent equipment, insufficient support, and the miles and miles of South Carolina shoreline. We have an open microphone policy here at FITSNews! Barry and Les met in Key West where, in 1973, Barry persuaded Les that smuggling grass was much more lucrative than cutting it. Reflecting back, Governor McMaster says, It was virtually impossible to catch them in the act. 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. UNC drug bust lands 21 in jail connected to fraternities | wcnc.com RALEIGH, N.C. Federal authorities have arrested 21 people at the University of North Carolina, Duke University and Appalachian State University in connection with a "large drug network" bust . Lt. Robert Stewart became Chief of SLED, and Cam Currie became a U.S. District Court judge. I dont believe there was a drug connection to the Murdaughs but it wouldnt surprise me if LE saw this as an opportunity to round up a bunch of local criminals (of varying levels of serious criminality) and see if anything shook loose in exchange for some leniency. In 1971, they asked Barry and another hotel guest to sail to Jamaica to bring back 400 pounds of marijuana. 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. Its incredible all the corruption and criminal activity that shes uncovered in the three years that shes been investigating the Murdaughs. It was just talked on Wednesday, see you later and there was no later, she 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. News 19 reports that much of the operation was in the Upstate counties. This is the second drug bust along I-95 in Nash County this week. We are forever indebted to his brave service and pray that he will Rest In Peace. The product was better and fetched a higher price. South Carolina: Man receives million dollar bond after drug bust . All these kids have had other friends that have died, said Alsobrooks. Deputies seize more than 90 pounds of marijuana during drug bust at South Carolina home. South Carolina Drug Bust Found Drugs Allegedly Being Sold From While Columbia police referenced an ongoing investigation in the statement they provided to the Post and Courier, the paper declined to provide its readers with any additional information as to what that inquiry might entail. As a true crime community, we promote civil discussions surrounding the alleged crimes of Alex Murdaugh and related entanglements. As a member of the BSO Homicide Unit, Sgt. 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. 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. 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. For those who want the full story of this local legend, Jackpot is a something-for-everyone kind of tale. He spent his free time between classes his senior year burning up the road between Columbia and Key West, Florida, where he worked as a doorman. His upbringing was typical of the South, with plenty of time spent hunting, fishing, and escorting the occasional debutante. Defendant Marcy Dawn Vickers allegedly fled in 2022. 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. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family Broward Sheriffs Office Sergeant Kevin Forsberg, both blood and blue. Thirteenth Circuit Solicitor Walt Wilkins said in thestatement, This was a very large scale organized drug operation that allegedly was trafficking kilograms of drugs every week into Greenville County,, 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., Aristocrat Constance Marten and Sex-Offender Mark Gordon's Missing Baby Found Dead in Countryside, Cops Say, GOP Legislator Introduces Bill That Would Eliminate Florida's Democratic Party, Florida Student, 17, Who Attacked Teacher to Be Tried as Adult, Woman Convicted in Connection to Lady Gaga Dognapping Sues Singer for $500,000 Reward Money, 5 Ballet Dancers Seriously Injured in California Hit-and-Run Car Crash Strive to Heal to Return to the Stage, 17-Year-Old Michigan Boy Slain by 13-Year-Old and 14-Year-Old Who He Offered Ride Home on Cold Night: Police. Officials say they tracked down . Agents also seized about $1 million in property, including the rented home, the yacht and five vehicles. This major drug trafficking ring was anything but unbelievable, said Solicitor Walt Wilkins. The trucks run by Mexican restaurant Los Primos. I believe it was his girlfriend, Morgan Doughty, that said he used cocaine on multiple occasions during her sworn deposition. Drugs Worth Rs 1,500 Crore Destroyed In Delhi Over 8 Years, 154 Arrested. According to a federal indictment, the defendants have been identified as Glenn Talley Jr., Leonard Gatling, Stephanie Amber Hawkins, Joe Kent Graham, Jermaine Louis . The co-conspirators also face multiple charges related to their role in the drug trafficking operation. CLICK HERE. These are just the highlights of this incredible, true tale. Dubbed "Operation Pentagon," the investigation targeted the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and crack cocaine that has "plagued" the county, Smalls said. The cocaine was found in secret compartments aboard a twin-masted, 47-foot sailing yacht named the 'Arc.'. Tolson said the amount of fentanyl recovered in the bust was enough to kill every person in York County. Kingpin Les Riley, who grew up in Columbia and attended USC, had a Southern upbringing that included hunting, fishing, and escorting the occasional debutante. He said, Hi Bart, my names Christy Campbell, and Im here to turn myself in, says Bart. Wilder still, the two main characters hail from Columbia, South Carolina. The cartel we believe is primarily involved in this is La Familia," Homeland Security Deputy Special Agent Mike Prado said. Patty Roberts is not mincing her words when speaking on fentanyl. But, by pooling their collective expertise, they were an extraordinarily effective weapon against drug smuggling. Plantation, FL Broward Sheriffs Office (BSO) Sergeant Kevin Forsberg died unexpectedly on Jan. 27. Got something youd like to say in response to one of our articles? Also, these arrests are reportedly just the beginning of a much broader investigation . 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. Copyright 2022 WBTV. King World Productions Inc. 2023 Inside Edition Inc. and CBS interactive Inc., Paramount companies. Both sides ceased fire when the smugglers boats arrived to pick up hashish because drug money paid for the war to go on. They dont want you to see this Big Tech does its best to limit what news you see. 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. 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. They were executed with premeditation. Les and another defendant, Wally Butler, were found living in Australia and arrested on May 5, 1983. Sheriffs Call For 'Eradication' Of Major Drug Cartels 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. You didnt have any last words. The sheriff added that 87 people have lost their lives to fentanyl so far in 2022. And what about all the rumors you preach as gospel. 'They were headed for New York City and Miami.'. Published: May. The McCoys were served with notice of the states intention to seek life without the possibility of parole at their bond hearings last week. During the search, agents found suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine, marijuana, buprenorphine, and alprazolam along with digital scales and smoking pipes in the home and in Glover's purse in a car on the property. Recent bookings, Arrests, Mugshots in South Carolina Bookings, Arrests and Mugshots in South Carolina To search and filter the Mugshots for South Carolina simply click on the at the top of the page.