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These are low level dealers. But where are the principals in this drama now? This was a year-long investigation that resulted in the arrests of six people. 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. 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. Piece by piece, the task force identified a web of drug smugglers, half of whom were South Carolina natives. Within a short time, the men identified Barry as someone who recently used cash for a large land purchase. According to investigators, the large drug operation trafficked in more than 1,000 kilograms of methamphetamine, or more than 2,200 pounds. 9 arrested after drug bust in Greenwood County, deputies say. Curiously, though, police did not immediately say what type of drug Jonathan Sears allegedly possessed/ intended to distribute. All rights reserved. The case is referred to as "Prison Empire," one of the state's largest narcotics conspiracy investigations ever indicted. Roberts says Adam thought he was taking Xanax for his anxiety but ended up with enough fentanyl in his system to kill four people. He was a dedicated father, public servant and friend. The task force, in concert with the U.S. Attorneys Office, worked to bring the Gentlemen Smugglers and their associates to justice. It was a devastating blow to the task force. South Carolina. , Four more suspects in operation pentagon https://www.augustachronicle.com/story/news/local/hampton-county-guardian/2021/07/27/two-more-suspects-custody-operation-pentagon-arrest-tally-now-20/5385106001/. Rest easy, hero. 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. Wild as it seems, the story is true. If its similar in Hampton county none of the people were major players instead addict selling to other addicts but who knows. The full list of defendants and the charges they each face can be found here. 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. SCDC Inmates Darrell Foster McCoy, Jr. a/k/a DJ and Matthew David McCoy have been involved in drug trafficking since 2011. York County and South Carolina leaders say current state and federal laws are not strict enough to keep fentanyl off South Carolina streets so there need to be sweeping changes. 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. The. 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. Methinks a killer(s) may be among those photos?! Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Judge Hawkins died in 2005, Dewey Greager in 2017, and Cam Littlejohn in 2018. 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. Obviously this news outlet will keep close tabs on this investigation as it moves forward . Got a technical question or a glitch to report? 2023 Columbia Metropolitan. He eagerly implemented it in South Carolina. As with anyone accused of committing any crime, the Sears are considered innocent until proven guilty by our criminal justice system or until such time as they may wish to enter some form of allocution in connection with a plea agreement with prosecutors related to any of the charges which have been filed against them. 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. It wouldnt be the best idea but who knows? Her son, Adam, fell victim to the drug. Banned items included crack cocaine, knives, tobacco, guns, phones, and even candy. 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. This is the second drug bust along I-95 in Nash County this week. 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. McGowan is accused. 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. Agents also seized about $1 million in property, including the rented home, the yacht and five vehicles. National. 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. The cocaine was found in secret compartments aboard a twin-masted, 47-foot sailing yacht named the 'Arc.'. When I saw the address come up we knew people that used to live on that road. Attorney General Alan Wilson said a joint investigation in the Upstate called "Los Banditos" alleges much of the drug trafficking was run and . Or an issue youd like to address proactively? 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. 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. Defendant Kelli Edwards allegedly fled in October 2022. Barry flew to Jamaica to meet with suppliers, while Les and three others struggled to sail there in storms, high seas, and high winds. The co-conspirators also face multiple charges related to their role in the drug trafficking operation. All rights reserved. Holly Alsobrooks son Cody is one of them. 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. Florida woman runs ultra-marathon distances for 23 consecutive days. 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? Im thinking serious cartel and/ or gang bosses who are higher up. '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. Now, 13 years after the last Gentleman Smuggler was sentenced, they are all out of prison. Another tip came through phone numbers salvaged from a suspected drug boat scuttled in the Edisto River. The smugglers also borrowed plantations along the coast owned by rich Northerners who rarely visited. 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. A drop in the bucket compared to whats out there, she said. In college at the University of South Carolina, Les was known to take his dates to the roof of. When the hospital drug tested Paul the night of the boating accident, there were no drugs in his system. according to the press release from the South Carolina attorney general. Operation Jackpot used what was then a new approach: Focusing on the identification and seizure of illicit wealth, then tracing it back to the smugglers bringing tons of marijuana and Lebanese. Illegal drugs,. Published: Dec. 10, 2021 at 4:07 PM PST. 'They were headed for New York City and Miami.'. Thats so many kids that could have died. Im his mother what else would I say. He walked in and stood in front of Barts desk. 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. He said, Hi Bart, my names Christy Campbell, and Im here to turn myself in, says Bart. Wild as it seems, the story is true. 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. Deputies seize more than 90 pounds of marijuana during drug bust at South Carolina home. All Rights Reserved. Among those arrested on drug-trafficking and conspiracy charges were three Hilton Head Island residents and five Colombians. Barry Foy and Les were making so much money it was hard to figure out what to do with it all. Politics. The Coast Guard monitored the vessel's trip from Colombia to the dock at the rented home in the exclusive Sea Pines Plantation development, but authorities waited for six days until the distributors, known as 'Mr. The 53-year-old sergeants exact cause of death was not released. The McCoys were served with notice of the states intention to seek life without the possibility of parole at their bond hearings last week. After serving as U.S. attorney, attorney general, and lieutenant governor, Henry McMaster ascended to South Carolinas governorship in 2017 and was elected to his first full term in November 2018. Military Digest Charleston man saved. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. His upbringing was typical of the South, with plenty of time spent hunting, fishing, and escorting the occasional debutante. The task force used a 1978 amendment to the United States civil forfeiture provisions allowing the seizure of drug-related offenders property before conviction or without any conviction at all. We use cookies to better understand website visitors, for advertising, and to offer you a better experience. Defendant Marcy Dawn Vickers allegedly fled in 2022. 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.. He was as pleasant as can be.. Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony announced Sgt. Surrey couple plans to pay off mortgage after winning $500,000. The upstate has become a hub," Wilson said at a press conference. The third island resident was identified as Kathy G. Gerald, 39. He has friends that have died. Kentucky man stops for breakfast, wins $50,000 lottery prize. The two men were nicknamed "the Gentlemen Smugglers" given their standards and college education. What is the talk on the street? 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. 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. |, 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. Click to skip ahead and jump to the 10 biggest drug busts in U.S. history. I believe the drug smuggling is discussed in Podcast Episodes 31 and 32. In the 1970s, kingpins and Columbia natives Les Riley and Barry Foy smuggled an astounding amount of marijuana and hashish into South Carolina, equating $1.8 billion in today's dollars. 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. 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 post Hero Down: Broward Sheriffs Office Sergeant Kevin Forsberg Dies Unexpectedly appeared first on The Police Tribune. 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. 2022 Blaze Media LLC. Bookings are updated several times a day so check back often! They dont want you to see this Big Tech does its best to limit what news you see. Also important were the right boats: some were made for blue water (long term, open sea) sailing; some were not. Got something youd like to say in response to one of our articles? I could barely move my arms and legs without help.. Theyre dealing death, Tolson said. 63 people face drug charges after South Carolina investigation Posted: Mar 31, 2021 / 03:00 PM EDT Updated: Mar 31, 2021 / 03:08 PM EDT SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA) - Sixty-three people are facing. We spent a lot of time together. The property had a deep water dock. A 30-month long ordeal ensued as the Australian court wrestled with whether the two could be extradited on a drug kingpin charge. The trucks run by Mexican restaurant Los Primos. 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. Got a tip for a story? Sergeant Forsberg served 21 years with the Broward Sheriffs Office and was a great asset to the BSOs Homicide Unit. 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. You didnt have any last words. The return trip home was worse, especially when they were fired upon when straying too close to Cuba. 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. No way drug dealers did this imo . Unbeknownst to his grandmother, Skip charged the smugglers a fee to offload their product there. And what about all the rumors you preach as gospel. CLICK HERE. Bob Duncan said, 'It will be studied in law enforcement academies for many semesters on how this went so smoothly. Bone-Breakers, crossbow . They were arraigned late Wednesday in Charleston before U.S. District Judge Sol Blatt Jr. Tom Rhoad died in March 2005 after suffering an aneurysm. Wilson announced. That is certainly what it would seem like. Now it's closing after donors sent school a big message. 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. One of the hottest rumors in Hampton county, South Carolina at the moment is that a massive drug bust orchestrated last month by sheriff Thomas "T.C." Smalls is somehow tied to a brutal double homicide that took place in early June at a hunting compound owned by one of the Palmetto State's most prominent families. 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! All theories are just as valid for the time being. Wilder still, the two main characters hail from Columbia, South Carolina. Henry immediately sought to attack drug smuggling at the highest levels of the trade. 5, 2022 at 7:26 PM EDT . 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. Ten other defendants are currently in prison. 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. Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. According to the South Carolina Attorney Generals Office, the owners of the Los Primos restaurant located in Greenville, South Carolina, allegedly ran and facilitated most of the drug trafficking. The verdict came in shortly before 7 p . [2], Last edited on 2 September 2022, at 16:19, "25 years later, 8,000 pounds of pot could get man 5 years", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Operation_Jackpot_(drug_investigation)&oldid=1108113124, This page was last edited on 2 September 2022, at 16:19. 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. Overdue book returned to Massachusetts library after 56 years. "A well-known, very violent cartel thats operated for many years in Mexico.. Barry was apprehended at the LaGuardia airport wearing a full-length mink coat. 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. Simpson Says Hes Not Qualified To Say If Alex Murdaugh Did It. 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/. These losers may have been the only people left in the county who would hang out with Paul. Politics. 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.