Typical agency turf wars were not allowed; anyone who refused to play nice was excused from the team. 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. COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)- Officials with the FBI Columbia field office and Columbia Violent Gang Task Force say nine individuals face drug trafficking charges. Its incredible all the corruption and criminal activity that shes uncovered in the three years that shes been investigating the Murdaughs. The trucks run by Mexican restaurant Los Primos. The drugs were busted in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean off the coasts of Mexico, Central and South America, and also in the Caribbean Sea. He has friends that have died. 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. The full list of defendants and the charges they each face can be found here. He is also an author and an avid Civil War enthusiast. The 1981 South Carolina Drug Smuggling Bust In The Edisto River #truec Got a technical question or a glitch to report? 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. Firefighters hoist horse stranded in backyard swimming pool. Taylor Lynnette Glover (Lancaster County Sheriff's Office) Her son, Adam, fell victim to the drug. Houses, land, boats, and prized cars all disappeared into government coffers, much to the consternation of the Gentlemen Smugglers and their associates. Typical agency turf wars were not allowed; anyone who refused to play nice was excused from the team. According to the release, the investigation in total from both locations seized large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine including some mixed with fentanyl, marijuana, xanax, multiple firearms, and $63,000. Operation Pentagon : r/MurdaughFamilyMurders - reddit Kentucky man stops for breakfast, wins $50,000 lottery prize. Mandy does an amazing job with her investigative journalism. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. This content is made available by use of the public RSS feed offered by the host site and is used for educational purposes only. 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. 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. Rest easy, hero. Throughout the extensive multi-agency investigation, it was revealed that the much of the drug trafficking was coordinated by current and former prison inmates through contraband cell phones. The co-conspirators also face multiple charges related to their role in the drug trafficking operation. 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. According to my law enforcement sources, this ongoing investigation has less to do with marijuana a drug which most people in the Palmetto State (including me) believe should be legalized and more to do with a rash of recent date rape druggings that allegedly occurred in the Five Points region of Columbia. 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. CLICK HERE. According to North Charleston authorities, Vernon Tyrell Willis, 26, has been arrested and charged with 13 counts of second-degree assault and battery. You didnt have any I love yous or goodbye or nothing. 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. He said, Hi Bart, my names Christy Campbell, and Im here to turn myself in, says Bart. 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 . Ultimately, Operation Jackpot would indict four smuggling rings operating in South Carolina. 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. South Carolina: Cartel drug trafficking investigation pic.twitter.com/d7G9ESlzUY, Florida Police Benevolent Association (@FL_PBA) January 30, 2023. 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. 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. The property had a deep water dock. 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. The adventurous will enjoy tales of exotic locales, fugitive escapades, and mountains of drugs and money. 37 people indicted in large-scale meth trafficking network 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. Attorney's Office for the District of South Carolina announced today that all 30 have pleaded guilty and been sentenced in federal court. 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. Wild as it seems, the story is true. South Carolina prosecutors have announced its biggest drug bust in state history, with 100 defendants facing nearly 500 charges. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. ', Suspected burglar inside New Brunswick home was a panicked deer. This hit the drug smugglers smack in the purse strings. Finally, having an accessible and secluded place to offload was vital. CLICK HERE. 'We did not make any arrests of users or first-level distributors,' said Verinder. According to authorities, six of the . Two rules were sacrosanct: no guns and no smuggling cocaine. March 3 (UPI) -- A sheep spotted wandering loose on a British highway was given a lift back to its owner by a concerned bus driver on her first day on the job. 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. A wall in the back of the room filled with pictures of young people in the same situation. Just after the first trial, a man did just that. 'We smashed an international drug smuggling operation,' said Frederick B. Verinder, the FBI agent in charge of the investigation. King World Productions Inc. 2023 Inside Edition Inc. and CBS interactive Inc., Paramount companies. In most areas, major highways were within an easy distance, aiding quick distribution to major cities like Atlanta; New York; Washington, D.C.; and Chicago. 'This has been the most aggressive, high-tech, team-oriented operation in the history of South Carolina,' Daniel said. 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. Les Riley grew up just a few miles from downtown Columbia. Forsbergs death in a Facebook post several days later. A fundraising campaign established to help Sgt. So when she sees the huge spread of the same drug that killed her child on a sheriffs office table instead of someones system, she is hopeful but cautious. Got a technical question or a glitch to report? Other choices included an abandoned oyster shelling company on Hilton Head and West Bank Plantation on Edisto Island, owned by Ella Seabrook, grandmother of Barry and Les friend, Skip Sanders. The investigation was dubbed Las Seoritas because several women among the main targets allegedly fled to Mexico to escape prosecution in the United States. 4-day drug sweep nets 19 arrests in Hampton County 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 walked in and stood in front of Barts desk. SLED agent Robert Stewart and Bart Daniel also traveled to Australia while the case was being appealed. Theres no way theyd have the gumption to kill Maggie and Paul. Barry and Les met in Key West where, in 1973, Barry persuaded Les that smuggling grass was much more lucrative than cutting it. This major drug trafficking ring was anything but unbelievable, said Solicitor Walt Wilkins. North Carolina. One of South Carolina's largest drug smuggling bust News, news, seriousness, tension(1077866) - Lyrebirds music. Their synergy was really something.. We spent a lot of time together. 'For the most part, these drugs were not headed for South Carolina,' he said. 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/. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); South Carolina Grand Jury Indicts 43 In Las Senoritas Drug Ring, Senate Panel Advances Certificate Of Need Repeal, Murdaugh Murders Media Coverage: Access Issues Debated, Child Sexual Assault Allegations Rock Midlands South Carolina Murder Case, Greg Leon Murder Case: Perjury Charge Filed, SLED Agent Incapacitated On Witness Stand After Reported Drug Exposure, LIVE FEED Murdaugh Murders Trial: Alex Murdaugh Sentencing Hearing, Murdaugh Murders Trial: Alex Murdaugh Guilty On All Counts, O.J. Got a tip for a story? The smugglers also borrowed plantations along the coast owned by rich Northerners who rarely visited. Id want to see the actual lab result before I believed it. Also Hampton county had 388 overdoses and 15 deaths in one year that seems really high for a county of 19,000 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! Federal charges tied to largest-ever York County fentanyl bust | Rock 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. Wilkins said the amount of drugs flowing through upstate South Carolina is at the highest level he's ever seen. The investigation, asset seizures, defendant arrests, and trials were full of extraordinary tales and consumed the lives of task force members for four years. Plantation, FL Broward Sheriffs Office (BSO) Sergeant Kevin Forsberg died unexpectedly on Jan. 27. As a true crime community, we promote civil discussions surrounding the alleged crimes of Alex Murdaugh and related entanglements. A trusted neighbor is on top of a 20-foot ladder in . 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. District of South Carolina | 34-Count Federal Indictment Charges 12 5, 2022 at 7:26 PM EDT . Curiously, though, police did not immediately say what type of drug Jonathan Sears allegedly possessed/ intended to distribute. The. 'They're dealing death': York County, S.C. state leaders speak on Published: Oct. 24, 2022 at 3:06 AM PDT | Updated: Oct. 24, 2022 at 6:55 AM PDT YORK COUNTY, S.C. (WBTV) - The York County sheriff provided more information Monday on a huge drug bust. according to the press release from the South Carolina attorney general. Thousands of kilos of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine were pumping into Greenville County.. 35 Arrests in Sumter County Drug Sting - Strom Law Firm 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 "A well-known, very violent cartel thats operated for many years in Mexico.. When I saw the address come up we knew people that used to live on that road. Will Folksis the founding editor of the news outlet you are currently reading. ", Woman wins $100,000 lottery prize 11 hours after $11,000 casino jackpot. Purchase a new subscription and qualify for $100 of fine dining, theater tickets and MORE! 18 Biggest Drug Busts In U.S. History - Yahoo! Investigators alleged the drug operation was linked to a Mexican drug cartel. Cape Fear Bust: 20 arrests, 50 weapons, 10,000 grams of narcotics They felt guns were unnecessary and, in fact, invited violence. Last week, deputies seized more than 30,000 grams of the drug fentanyl from a home on Golden Pond Drive in Clover. Especially, when it is quite literally close to home. ago David and fellow task force member Chuck Pittard were interviewing a friend of Barry Foys in Manhattan when Barry called her, saying he and his family were on their way to New York. Henry and Assistant U.S. Attorney John McIntosh and Cam Littlejohn assisted the Australian prosecutors at the hearing. Wilder still, the two main characters hail from Columbia, South Carolina. Large drug bust in Hampton County (for those of you who believe drugs played a role in the murders). Possession of drug paraphernalia charge; $95,000 secure bond; . 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. His upbringing was typical of the South, with plenty of time spent hunting, fishing, and escorting the occasional debutante. 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. Pinch the little fish to get info on the big fish. 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. 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. 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. Bob Jendron retired after a long career as a federal prosecutor, while his former coworker, Bart Daniel, served as U.S. attorney from 1989-1992 and is now a partner in a Charleston law firm. A drug hit would not be carried out by the local crew, local boys are just the corner guys, there would be 10 more levels up if not more before you get to the head of the Snake. He counted playwright Tennessee Williams as a client and musician Jimmy Buffett as a friend. Drug traffickers used a Mexican eatery and taco trucks to transport drugs around South Carolina, state prosecutors said Wednesday. 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 layman's terms, this is enough cocaine for every man, woman, and child in South Carolina to get high at least one time,' he said. 'These definitely are major players.'. Officials refused to identify the fifth Colombian arrested. Barry flew to Jamaica to meet with suppliers, while Les and three others struggled to sail there in storms, high seas, and high winds. 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. Similarly, this is why they chose not to traffic cocaine. With each trip, Barry and Les learned more about the smuggling business. All rights reserved. David and Chuck fed questions to her for the kingpin and used the information to set a trap. News 19 reports that much of the operation was in the Upstate counties. 65+ pounds of fentanyl in largest ever York County SC drug bust | Rock 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. Wild as it seems, the story is true. Last week, deputies seized over 30,000 grams of the drug fentanyl from a home on Golden Pond Drive in Clover. A drop in the bucket compared to whats out there, she said. 'These are all upper-level or. This is absolutely the pill of death, said Patty Roberts, a mother who lost her son to a fentanyl death. Rounding up these folks could well get them talking about the big drug bosses. It wouldnt be the best idea but who knows? Cape Fear Bust: 20 arrests, 50 weapons, 10,000 grams of narcotics. Detric McGowan Arrested in Alleged South Carolina Drug Bust - Yahoo! NYC Asking People to Give Bikes to Illegal Aliens! 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. Attorney general Alan Wilson announced the indictments on Thursday. Also, these arrests are reportedly just the beginning of a much broader investigation . Taco trucks used as part of South Carolina drug trafficking operation South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh was sentenced to life in prison without parole Friday, a day after he was convicted of murder in the shooting deaths of his wife and son. Now, 13 years after the last Gentleman Smuggler was sentenced, they are all out of prison. Both suspects were released from the Florence County Detention Center on April 2, 2022, on a $50,000 surety bond each. Paul and drugs are rumors . They reportedly were part of a drug trafficking organization that operating in Pickens, Greenville, Laurens, Anderson, and Oconee Counties. Im his mother what else would I say. After brief attempts at college, first at Newberry College and then at USC, Barry began selling marijuana in Five Points. 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. 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 . I believe the drug smuggling is discussed in Podcast Episodes 31 and 32. Later, he moved into a Hollywood, Florida, beachside hotel frequented by men who participated in, among other activities, drug dealing. The case is referred to as "Prison Empire," one of the state's largest narcotics conspiracy investigations ever indicted. Barry Foy and Les were making so much money it was hard to figure out what to do with it all. South Carolina. He lives in the Midlands region of the state with his wife and seven children. Thats so many kids that could have died. Unfortunately, Columbia police did not immediately respond to these inquiries and news of the arrests broke Sunday afternoon in The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier. In January of this year, reporter Kailey Cota of The Daily Gamecock the student newspaper for The University of South Carolina reported that multiple students and other Five Points patrons reported being illegally drugged at Cotton Gin, Pavlovs Bar and Jakesduring the fall 2020 semester., At least three victims submitted incident reports in connection with these alleged druggings describing how they felt nauseous, dizzy and then vomited and blacked out., By the time we had driven from Cotton Gin [I was] completely limp, one victim recalled. Updated October 21, 2022 8:37 AM. 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. These are just the highlights of this incredible, true tale. Methinks a killer(s) may be among those photos?! National Park Service: 'Never push a slower friend down' in a bear encounter, March 2 (UPI) -- The National Park Service offered some sage advice for park visitors who encounter bears: "Never push a slower friend down. Attorney General Alan Wilson said a joint investigation in the Upstate called "Los Banditos" alleges much of the drug trafficking was run and . Got something youd like to say in response to one of our articles? I believe it was his girlfriend, Morgan Doughty, that said he used cocaine on multiple occasions during her sworn deposition. But, by pooling their collective expertise, they were an extraordinarily effective weapon against drug smuggling. Listen online or download the iHeart App. After a drug bust in South Carolina, 34 people are facing charges, according to the press release from the South Carolina attorney general. The task force, in concert with the U.S. Attorneys Office, worked to bring the Gentlemen Smugglers and their associates to justice. 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. Operation Jackpot - Columbia Metropolitan Magazine 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. Im thinking serious cartel and/ or gang bosses who are higher up. Minnesota officer removes jar from raccoon's head. First Published: 1:00 PM PDT, May 19, 2022 Officials seized paraphernalia in South Carolina and Georgia, leading to 34 individuals facing charges. Four drug-related arrests made at Lancaster, S.C. home - WBTV But where are the principals in this drama now? Barry and Les decided to look for a quieter entry point for their product. His upbringing was typical of the South, with plenty of time spent hunting, fishing, and escorting the occasional debutante. 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. All rights reserved. All Rights Reserved. State Attorney General Alan Wilson announced grand jury indictments Wednesday against the owners of the Los Primos restaurant in Greenville, S.C. Federal drug unit targets South Surrey home in bust spanning Lower Mainland. Mark Powellisanaward-winning former TV journalist, government communications veteran, and a political consultant. 2 arrested after approx. $3.4M worth of cocaine found in - WPDE South Carolina prosecutors have announced its biggest drug bust in state history, with 100 defendants facing nearly 500 charges. Large drug bust in Hampton County (for those of you who believe drugs played a role in the murders). 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.
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