Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. If its similar in Hampton county none of the people were major players instead addict selling to other addicts but who knows. 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Coast Guard Cmdr. 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. 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. Soldiers would sometimes even help load drugs onto the boats and then, once they were clear of land, fighting resumed. Illegal drugs,. Updated October 21, 2022 8:37 AM. 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. Politics. COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)- Officials with the FBI Columbia field office and Columbia Violent Gang Task Force say nine individuals face drug trafficking charges. <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> Military Digest Charleston man saved. By signing up to the Blaze News newsletter you agree to receive electronic communications from Blaze Media that may sometimes include advertisements or sponsored content. It wouldnt be the best idea but who knows? King World Productions Inc. 2023 Inside Edition Inc. and CBS interactive Inc., Paramount companies. The. 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. We are forever indebted to his brave service and pray that he will Rest In Peace. Tom Rhoad received a 15-year sentence, Barry Foy got 18 years, and Les Riley was sentenced to 21 years. All rights reserved. Purchase a new subscription and qualify for $100 of fine dining, theater tickets and MORE! Hes an incredible person to me of course. 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 The Hilton Head Island residents were identified as David A. Childs Jr., 38, and Lynn G. Paul, 40. He has friends that have died. The attorney general's office said a "substantial portion" of the drugs seized in Atlanta were intended for South Carolina. Also, these arrests are reportedly just the beginning of a much broader investigation . Yet our response to the opioid and fentanyl crisis is underwhelming, 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. 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. In 1971, they asked Barry and another hotel guest to sail to Jamaica to bring back 400 pounds of marijuana. March 3 (UPI) -- A Kentucky man who stopped to buy some breakfast said he lost his appetite when he won $50,000 from a scratch-off lottery ticket. SPARTANBURG COUNTY, SC (WSPA) - Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright announced Thursday charges for 53 suspects during their Operation Repeat Offender drug operation. Pinch the little fish to get info on the big fish. WTF? The next big adventure came through importing hashish from faraway locales like Lebanon and Singapore. 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. This hit the drug smugglers smack in the purse strings. 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. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. 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. But, by pooling their collective expertise, they were an extraordinarily effective weapon against drug smuggling. He was an assistant United States attorney at the time. South Carolina. Also Hampton county had 388 overdoses and 15 deaths in one year that seems really high for a county of 19,000 people. To cut costs, Amazon delays completion of second headquarters, closes retail stores, 'Saving Private Ryan,' 'True Romance' actor Tom Sizemore dead at 61, Dozens killed, injured as Jakarta fuel depot fire engulfs neighborhood, Migrant woman dies after U.S. Coast Guard stops vessel carrying 54, 3 children killed, 2 hospitalized in North Texas domestic incident. For those who want the full story of this local legend. Press J to jump to the feed. 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. 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. 5, 2022 at 7:26 PM EDT . History and legal buffs will appreciate reliving the 1970s with the challenges faced by the task force and the ingenuity used to achieve its objective. Got a tip for a story? The five Colombians in custody are Jorge Samuel Cruz, Luis F. Taboada-Garcia, Felipe Janer and Juan Carlos Perez. 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. According to authorities, six of the . March 2 (UPI) -- A Minnesota police officer came to the rescue of a raccoon he spotted running around with a jar stuck over its head. 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. March 3 (UPI) -- A Massachusetts library said a book was recently returned with a note apologizing for the tome being 56 years overdue. 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. Also important were the right boats: some were made for blue water (long term, open sea) sailing; some were not. By FOX Carolina News Staff. This major drug trafficking ring was anything but unbelievable, said Solicitor Walt Wilkins. 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. The agents deserve all the credit, says Bart Daniel of the task force. 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. 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. At Henry and Brians suggestion, the two began following the money. Possession of drug paraphernalia charge; $95,000 secure bond; . The adventurous will enjoy tales of exotic locales, fugitive escapades, and mountains of drugs and money. This content is courtesy of, and owned and copyrighted by, https://bluelivesmatter.blue and its author. Henry and Assistant U.S. Attorney John McIntosh and Cam Littlejohn assisted the Australian prosecutors at the hearing. Wild as it seems, the story is true. Got something youd like to say in response to one of our articles? Paul and drugs are rumors . Ultimately, Operation Jackpot would indict four smuggling rings operating in South Carolina. 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. "A well-known, very violent cartel thats operated for many years in Mexico.. Obviously this news outlet will keep close tabs on this investigation as it moves forward . 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. I live in a small ass county not in South Carolina Our local da parades around big drug bust like this once a year. The Canal Street home was raided last Thursday by CPD narcotics agents prior to the Sears arrests. You didnt have any last words. The two men were nicknamed "the Gentlemen Smugglers" given their standards and college education. It is a drop in the bucket. Barry Foy and Les were making so much money it was hard to figure out what to do with it all. Could a rash of recent date rapes in this college town be the focus of city polices ongoing investigation?. Kingpin Les Riley, who grew up in Columbia and attended USC, had a Southern upbringing that included hunting, fishing, and escorting the occasional debutante. Thank you for your service. according to the press release from the South Carolina attorney general. A 30-month long ordeal ensued as the Australian court wrestled with whether the two could be extradited on a drug kingpin charge. Patty Roberts is not mincing her words when speaking on fentanyl. The last fugitive from Operation Jackpot was arrested in 2007. 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. Now, 13 years after the last Gentleman Smuggler was sentenced, they are all out of prison. SCDC Inmates Darrell Foster McCoy, Jr. a/k/a DJ and Matthew David McCoy have been involved in drug trafficking since 2011. 'This has been the most aggressive, high-tech, team-oriented operation in the history of South Carolina,' Daniel said. More than 40 people have been charged in the Upstate of South Carolina as part of a drug-trafficking case known as "Las Seoritas," according to Attorney General Alan Wilson. 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 . CLICK HERE. 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. 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. These losers may have been the only people left in the county who would hang out with Paul. 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. Click this link for the original source of this article. CLICK HERE. Published: Dec. 10, 2021 at 4:07 PM PST. Wilder still, the two main characters hail from Columbia, South Carolina. Mario Pacella 1612 Newcastle, Suite 201 Brunswick GA 31520 (912) 264-6465 (Phone) (877) 787-6652 (Toll-Free) (912) 264-2470 (Fax) Centrally located in Columbia, South Carolina, the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm, L.L.C. Another tip came through phone numbers salvaged from a suspected drug boat scuttled in the Edisto River. When all the Operation Jackpot trials were over, more than 100 smugglers went to jail. Investigators have also seized 20 kilograms of meth, 5 kilos of heroin, 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, and 82 firearms. 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. The sheriff added that 87 people have lost their lives to fentanyl so far in 2022. The statement on theinvestigation revealed alleged connections to Mexican drug trafficking cartels operating in South Carolina and Georgia. Among those arrested on drug-trafficking and conspiracy charges were three Hilton Head Island residents and five Colombians. J. Reflecting back, Governor McMaster says, It was virtually impossible to catch them in the act. Barry Foy followed his prison time with a career in real estate and construction. All Rights Reserved. SLED agent Robert Stewart and Bart Daniel also traveled to Australia while the case was being appealed. They were arraigned late Wednesday in Charleston before U.S. District Judge Sol Blatt Jr. As with all cases, all the defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty by the criminal justice system, or until such times as each may wish to enter some form of allocution in connection with a plea agreement with prosecutors related to any of the charges that may be filed against them. We spent a lot of time together. Kentucky man stops for breakfast, wins $50,000 lottery prize. The York County sheriff provided more information Monday on a huge drug bust. Barry Toombs and at least five other fugitives holed up in Costa Rica were eventually extradited in February 1983. 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. 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. Got a technical question or a glitch to report? 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. 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. Politics. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Still, it was more than they could spend. A normal hashish load had a street value of $90 million. These are just the highlights of this incredible, true tale. Houses, land, boats, and prized cars all disappeared into government coffers, much to the consternation of the Gentlemen Smugglers and their associates. 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. Here is the full video of the press conference . 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. 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. Folks, if this was a bag full of terrorists, if this was anthrax, our response would be overwhelming. It is much more significant," he said. 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. McGowan is accused. The payday for smugglers was double that of marijuana. With a heavy heart, we announce the untimely loss of a longtime employee, Sergeant Kevin Forsberg, who passed away on Friday, January 27, 2023, Sheriff Tony wrote. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. Just after the first trial, a man did just that. 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. But these moms believe getting some of the big fish off the street could save the lives of many. The third island resident was identified as Kathy G. Gerald, 39. Mandy does an amazing job with her investigative journalism. represent clients in a variety of civil and criminal matters. Federal drug unit targets South Surrey home in bust spanning Lower Mainland. Theres no way theyd have the gumption to kill Maggie and Paul. Daniel said the cocaine could have been sold for about $100 million if processed into crack. Published: May. Email him at mark@fitsnews.com. Bob Duncan said, 'It will be studied in law enforcement academies for many semesters on how this went so smoothly. If there is a drug connection to Alex, he would definitely be the big fish in the region. We decided to figure out who they were and catch them at home. With this new approach, the task force leveled the playing field. Get the news that matters most delivered directly to your inbox. Dubbed "Operation Pentagon," the investigation targeted the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and crack cocaine that has "plagued" the county, Smalls said. 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. 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. Les Riley grew up just a few miles from downtown Columbia. On Wednesday, a Durham man was arrested after a chase hitting 120 mph and the "Gray Death" drug was found, deputies say. State Attorney General Alan Wilson announced grand jury indictments Wednesday against the owners of the Los Primos restaurant in Greenville, S.C. Methinks a killer(s) may be among those photos?! One of the defendants, a paralegal, is accused of sending drugs and phones into prison through hollowed out court transcripts, ABC News 4 reports. 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. ", Woman wins $100,000 lottery prize 11 hours after $11,000 casino jackpot. U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District N.C. Michael Easley announces at the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office the arrest of 20 . CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Nine people are facing federal charges after a major drug bust in the Hollywood area of southern Charleston County. Others, including Barry and Les, were harder to bring in. We use cookies to better understand website visitors, for advertising, and to offer you a better experience. 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. Theyre dealing death, Tolson said. Reflecting back, Governor McMaster says, It was virtually impossible to catch them in the act. 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. Lt. Robert Stewart became Chief of SLED, and Cam Currie became a U.S. District Court judge. 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 Privacy Policy. Christian K-8 school last year declared that 'we stand with the LGBTQIA+ community and believe in their holiness.' "When you look at the I-85 corridor from Charlotte to Atlanta, obviously its an artery for this type of illicit activity.. In time, the drug trade grew crowded in South Florida. According to a federal indictment, the defendants have been identified as Glenn Talley Jr., Leonard Gatling, Stephanie Amber Hawkins, Joe Kent Graham, Jermaine Louis . 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. That was a good feeling seeing all those pills were off the street. They owned homes on St. Barthlemy and drank copious amounts of expensive wine. Both brothers have been incarcerated at SCDC since 2015 and have allegedly continued trafficking methamphetamine from prison using contraband cell phones. We decided to figure out who they were and catch them at home. With this new approach. We need to bring awareness to this issue, that drug dealers are not dealing drugs anymore. What if someone not affiliated with drugs at all wanted Paul taken out and hired somebody local on the fringes of society?
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