The five Colombians in custody are Jorge Samuel Cruz, Luis F. Taboada-Garcia, Felipe Janer and Juan Carlos Perez. He lives in the Midlands region of the state with his wife and seven children. It is much more significant," he said. All theories are just as valid for the time being. Obviously this news outlet will keep close tabs on this investigation as it moves forward . Cartels dont play games. Dubbed "Operation Pentagon," the investigation targeted the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and crack cocaine that has "plagued" the county, Smalls said. according to the press release from the South Carolina attorney general. '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. 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. Just after the first trial, a man did just that. 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. CLICK HERE. 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. 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. 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. Last week, deputies seized over 30,000 grams of the drug fentanyl from a home on Golden Pond Drive in Clover. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. After college, Les moved to Key West and started a landscaping business, cutting grass for $5. India News | Press Trust of India | Wednesday December 21, 2022. Politics. Lt. Robert Stewart became Chief of SLED, and Cam Currie became a U.S. District Court judge. For those who want the full story of this local legend, Jackpot is a something-for-everyone kind of tale. Mandy does an amazing job with her investigative journalism. He counted playwright Tennessee Williams as a client and musician Jimmy Buffett as a friend. We need to bring awareness to this issue, that drug dealers are not dealing drugs anymore. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. While it was a more lucrative product, cocaine smugglers invariably toted automatic weapons. 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. Others, including Barry and Les, were harder to bring in. The cartel we believe is primarily involved in this is La Familia," Homeland Security Deputy Special Agent Mike Prado said. 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. The Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office announced that three people were recently charged after over 20 pounds of methamphetamine was found during a narcotics investigation. 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. While both men delegated sailing and offloading to others early on, they enjoyed the thrill of smuggling and the lifestyle it afforded them, and they were always in search of a bigger adventure. The two men were nicknamed the Gentlemen Smugglers given their standards and college education. Finally, having an accessible and secluded place to offload was vital. Attorney general Alan Wilson announced the indictments on Thursday. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. His loved ones and his BSO family will forever carry on his legacy.. 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. 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. 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. We are forever indebted to his brave service and pray that he will Rest In Peace.. SCDNR never sought a warrant to compel the hospital to draw Pauls blood that night, but the hospital did anyway The doctor said that no drugs were found in Pauls system.. 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. 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. Police in South Carolina seized more than 65 pounds of fentanyl Wednesday in a drug raid that officials describe as the largest-ever seizure of . Florida woman runs ultra-marathon distances for 23 consecutive days. 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. This month the DEA made the biggest. 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. 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/. 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. 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 . His upbringing was typical of the South, with plenty of time spent hunting, fishing, and escorting the occasional debutante. You didnt have any last words. Those involved are allegedly in a drug ring associated with Mexican cartels, state officials said. So they are applauding the work, knowing much more work needs done. We use cookies to better understand website visitors, for advertising, and to offer you a better experience. He was as pleasant as can be.. That was a good feeling seeing all those pills were off the street. YORK COUNTY, S.C. (WBTV) - The York County sheriff provided more information Monday on a huge drug bust. I think Paul being a CI is a bit far fetched because there was only casual mention of him smoking weed a handful of times and ONE mention of doing cocaine months prior to the boating accident. Barry Foy and Les were making so much money it was hard to figure out what to do with it all. Illegal drugs,. South Carolina. Bob Duncan said, 'It will be studied in law enforcement academies for many semesters on how this went so smoothly. Email him at mark@fitsnews.com. These are just the highlights of this incredible, true tale. Those murders look very much like a drug hit and probably not a hit by some low down on the food chain drug users. ago In the 1970s, the drug was widely used, and the publics attitude was apathetic. 8,333 people were booked in the last 30 days (Order: Booking Date ) First Prev Bigs,' arrived to collect the shipment. The Lowcountry paper only got part of the story, though . What is the talk on the street? A fundraising campaign established to help Sgt. "When you look at the I-85 corridor from Charlotte to Atlanta, obviously its an artery for this type of illicit activity.. 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. Military Digest Charleston man saved. By FOX Carolina News Staff. TikTok video from True Crime Stories (@truecrimestories215): "The 1981 South Carolina Drug Smuggling Bust In The Edisto River #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truestory #truecrimetiktok #makingamurderer #AlexMurdaugh #trending #fyp". Forsbergs death in a Facebook post several days later. CLICK HERE. All of these experiences relate to the astounding volume of marijuana and hashish smuggled into South Carolina by the so-called Gentlemen Smugglers with a street value, in todays dollars, of $1.8 billion. Thanks to a corrupt jailer, Bob later escaped from a Charleston County jail and disappeared. The case was investigated by the South Carolina State Grand Jury, which was assisted in this case by a partnership of the Attorney Generals State Grand Jury Division, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the South Carolina Department of Corrections Office of the Inspector General, the Greenville County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit, the Thirteenth Circuit Solicitors office, Anderson County Sheriffs Office, Pickens County Sheriffs Office, Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office, Easley Police Department, Abbeville County Sheriffs Office, and the Oconee County Sheriffs Office. 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 . The statement on theinvestigation revealed alleged connections to Mexican drug trafficking cartels operating in South Carolina and Georgia. Both suspects were released from the Florence County Detention Center on April 2, 2022, on a $50,000 surety bond each. Rest easy, hero. Drugs Worth Rs 1,500 Crore Destroyed In Delhi Over 8 Years, 154 Arrested. Houses, land, boats, and prized cars all disappeared into government coffers, much to the consternation of the Gentlemen Smugglers and their associates. 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. Click this link for the original source of this article. According to investigators, the large drug operation trafficked in more than 1,000 kilograms of methamphetamine, or more than 2,200 pounds. 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. That is apparently the maximum for the possession with intent to distribute fentanyl drug charges. 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 agents deserve all the credit, says Bart Daniel of the task force. 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. Barry and Les decided to look for a quieter entry point for their product. Also Hampton county had 388 overdoses and 15 deaths in one year that seems really high for a county of 19,000 people. All Rights Reserved. Theyre dealing death, Tolson said. Our hearts go out to Sergeant Kevin Forsbergs family, friends and colleagues at Broward Sheriffs Office where he served in the BSOs Homicide Unit. I highly suggest you watch Mandy Matneys Murdaugh Murders Podcast - especially those about Alexs possible connection to drugs smuggling along the east coast. J. |, All of these experiences relate to the astounding volume of marijuana and hashish smuggled into South Carolina by the so-called Gentlemen Smugglers with a street value, in todays dollars, of $1.8 billion. We spent a lot of time together. Patty Roberts is not mincing her words when speaking on fentanyl. Wilder still, the two main characters hail from Columbia, South Carolina. State Attorney General Alan Wilson announced grand jury indictments Wednesday against the owners of the Los Primos restaurant in Greenville, S.C. Im his mother what else would I say. Ultimately, Operation Jackpot would indict four smuggling rings operating in South Carolina. 'For the most part, these drugs were not headed for South Carolina,' he said. Sergeant Forsberg was a great father, family man, great person, great friend to those who knew him, and a great law enforcement officer, the tribute read. Agents also seized about $1 million in property, including the rented home, the yacht and five vehicles. Defendant Michael Pardi allegedly fled last month. Hes an incredible person to me of course. The story is utterly fantastic, with a list of villains so long one has trouble keeping up with them all. Now Canadian cops have charged pastor with hate crime. Its much more organized, as seen in this case. I believe it was his girlfriend, Morgan Doughty, that said he used cocaine on multiple occasions during her sworn deposition. . 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. Specifically, date rape druggings which are alleged to have occurred at Sears establishments. ", Woman wins $100,000 lottery prize 11 hours after $11,000 casino jackpot. This is absolutely the pill of death, said Patty Roberts, a mother who lost her son to a fentanyl death. Henry and Assistant U.S. Attorney John McIntosh and Cam Littlejohn assisted the Australian prosecutors at the hearing. A normal hashish load had a street value of $90 million. But these moms believe getting some of the big fish off the street could save the lives of many. Firefighters hoist horse stranded in backyard swimming pool. Taylor Lynnette Glover (Lancaster County Sheriff's Office) 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. 2022 Blaze Media LLC. 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. Possession of drug paraphernalia charge; $95,000 secure bond; . Officials with the Lexington County Sheriff's Department said Javier Ayala has been charged . He walked in and stood in front of Barts desk. The numbers led back to Les. Got a tip or a story idea for Mark? Curiously, though, police did not immediately say what type of drug Jonathan Sears allegedly possessed/ intended to distribute. 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. All Rights Reserved. After a drug bust in South Carolina, 34 people are facing charges, according to the press release from the South Carolina attorney general. Bob Byers got a 25-year sentence plus eight years for his escape. The product was better and fetched a higher price. SCDC Inmates Darrell Foster McCoy, Jr. a/k/a DJ and Matthew David McCoy have been involved in drug trafficking since 2011. About 80 law enforcement officers descended on the home and made the arrests Wednesday without firing a shot, Verinder said. Also important were the right boats: some were made for blue water (long term, open sea) sailing; some were not. It was a devastating blow to the task force. March 3 (UPI) -- A Massachusetts library said a book was recently returned with a note apologizing for the tome being 56 years overdue. If its similar in Hampton county none of the people were major players instead addict selling to other addicts but who knows. Deputies say that the drug bust happened on Tuesday on Southers. He said the street value of the more than 1,000 kilos of methamphetamine seized by law enforcement is over $75 million. On the other side are the avengers the scores of investigators and prosecutors that read like a whos who of South Carolina legal minds. Published: May. Purchase a new subscription and qualify for $100 of fine dining, theater tickets and MORE! McClellanvilles creeks were popular, too. The post Hero Down: Broward Sheriffs Office Sergeant Kevin Forsberg Dies Unexpectedly appeared first on The Police Tribune. U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District N.C. Michael Easley announces at the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office the arrest of 20 . We decided to figure out who they were and catch them at home. With this new approach, the task force leveled the playing field. ', Suspected burglar inside New Brunswick home was a panicked deer. 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. Politics. Medical Marijuana bill passes NC Senate; some cannabis supporters against bill, Re-using the cheater beans from breakfast for dinner with Chef Elizabeth, Product Test: Elissia and Caroline try out bundt cake pan with removable bottom, The Best of Charlotte Bridal Show at Camp North End on March 19th, Licensed counselor Felice Hightower talks impact of Social Media Algorithms, PLAN AHEAD: Latest Weather Forecast Video. The investigation and prosecution is known as Operation Jackpot, which was chronicled in a book called, Les Riley grew up just a few miles from downtown Columbia. The couple is also known as Rob and Lynn Greene. Click to skip ahead and jump to the 10 biggest drug busts in U.S. history. Simpson Says Hes Not Qualified To Say If Alex Murdaugh Did It. Typical agency turf wars were not allowed; anyone who refused to play nice was excused from the team. The 53-year-old sergeants exact cause of death was not released. Their synergy was really something.. He has other friends that have died as well. These are low level dealers. Does anybody else think its just an amazing coincidence that LE rounded up all these local Hampton/ Colleton county drug knuckleheads about a month after the Murdaugh murders? Operation Jackpot was also one of the first federal task forces to combine investigators from a variety of federal agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Customs, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Customs Patrol. Tom Rhoad died in March 2005 after suffering an aneurysm. 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 full list of defendants and the charges they each face can be found here. Got something youd like to say in response to one of our articles? CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Nine people are facing federal charges after a major drug bust in the Hollywood area of southern Charleston County. Barry flew to Jamaica to meet with suppliers, while Les and three others struggled to sail there in storms, high seas, and high winds. March 3 (UPI) -- A 7-year-old Louisiana boy with a firm grasp of baseball rules is seeking a Guinness World Record as the world's youngest umpire. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. On Saturday, Shackeel Aaron Coleman, 29, of Conway, South Carolina, was charged with two counts of trafficking in cocaine, conspiracy to traffic cocaine, and maintaining a vehicle for controlled substances. Reflecting back, Governor McMaster says, It was virtually impossible to catch them in the act. What if someone not affiliated with drugs at all wanted Paul taken out and hired somebody local on the fringes of society? The next big adventure came through importing hashish from faraway locales like Lebanon and Singapore. Charlestons famous restaurant, 82 Queen, was seized as well. SPARTANBURG COUNTY, SC (WSPA) - Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright announced Thursday charges for 53 suspects during their Operation Repeat Offender drug operation. 'These are all upper-level or. These losers may have been the only people left in the county who would hang out with Paul. 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. Federal drug unit targets South Surrey home in bust spanning Lower Mainland. After a drug bust in South Carolina,. A 30-month long ordeal ensued as the Australian court wrestled with whether the two could be extradited on a drug kingpin charge. One of the defendants, a paralegal, is accused of sending drugs and phones into prison through hollowed out court transcripts, ABC News 4 reports. Got something youd like to say in response to one of our articles? Submit your letter to the editor (or guest column) via email HERE. Especially, when it is quite literally close to home. Thank you for your service. represent clients in a variety of civil and criminal matters. I could barely move my arms and legs without help.. Bob Byers was caught in Antigua by DEA agent Dewey Greager and David Forbes, who posed as buyers of his $900,000 sailboat, La Cautiva. Large drug bust in Hampton County (for those of you who believe drugs played a role in the murders). 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. Thousands of kilos of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine were pumping into Greenville County.. Id want to see the actual lab result before I believed it. Pastor shoved out door, knocked flat on his back after protesting library's drag queen event for children. 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. He was a dedicated father, public servant and friend. 2023 Blaze Media LLC. Barry was apprehended at the LaGuardia airport wearing a full-length mink coat. 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. Officials say they tracked down . We have an open microphone policy here at FITSNews! 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. Barry and Les met in Key West where, in 1973, Barry persuaded Les that smuggling grass was much more lucrative than cutting it. They would of been BUSTED. "Theres much more volume flowing into our communities. Les bought a home on Hilton Head, as well as other property, and used it for offloading his merchandise. They felt guns were unnecessary and, in fact, invited violence. 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. This hit the drug smugglers smack in the purse strings. U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency officials have filed a criminal complaint against four South Carolina men accused of operating a "clandestine" drug lab in a residential neighborhood near Lake. Within a short time, the men identified Barry as someone who recently used cash for a large land purchase. But where are the principals in this drama now? Charges range from drug trafficking and weapons to burglary and kidnapping. Now, 13 years after the last Gentleman Smuggler was sentenced, they are all out of prison. Alleged drug traffickers in South Carolina used taco trucks to transport pounds of meth, cocaine and heroin, state prosecutors said Wednesday. SLED agent Robert Stewart and Bart Daniel also traveled to Australia while the case was being appealed. The two men were nicknamed "the Gentlemen Smugglers" given their standards and college education. Theyre dealing death: York County, S.C. state leaders speak on fentanyl bust. They learned they could make more money if they obtained their product from Colombia rather than Jamaica. 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. 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! Just like him being a CI . An eight-month investigation at a South Carolina prison has resulted in the confiscation of more than 100 pounds of contraband and 20 arrests, the state's department of corrections announced . One of President Reagans earliest actions, on recommendation of Sen. Strom Thurmond, was to appoint Henry McMaster as South Carolinas United States attorney. 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. Defendant Kelli Edwards allegedly fled in October 2022. 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. According to a news. Overdue book returned to Massachusetts library after 56 years. Banned items included crack cocaine, knives, tobacco, guns, phones, and even candy. 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. It might surprise people that cartel drug trafficking happens in South Carolina, but it does and were fighting to stop it, Wilson said. Could a rash of recent date rapes in this college town be the focus of city polices ongoing investigation?. Among those arrested on drug-trafficking and conspiracy charges were three Hilton Head Island residents and five Colombians. Similarly, this is why they chose not to traffic cocaine. If there is a drug connection to Alex, he would definitely be the big fish in the region. Now it's closing after donors sent school a big message. It wouldnt be the best idea but who knows? South Carolina prosecutors have announced its biggest drug bust in state history, with 100 defendants facing nearly 500 charges. Roberts says Adam thought he was taking Xanax for his anxiety but ended up with enough fentanyl in his system to kill four people. Thats so many kids that could have died. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. The Hilton Head Island residents were identified as David A. Childs Jr., 38, and Lynn G. Paul, 40. In college at the University of South Carolina, Les was known to take his dates to the roof of. Christian K-8 school last year declared that 'we stand with the LGBTQIA+ community and believe in their holiness.' According to a federal indictment, the defendants have been identified as Glenn Talley Jr., Leonard Gatling, Stephanie Amber Hawkins, Joe Kent Graham, Jermaine Louis . 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. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. 'These definitely are major players.'.