SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) An inmate is accused of operating a drug trafficking ring from behind bars in Spartanburg County. The defendants in these cases were all participants in this drug conspiracy. Shandon Paige Hammett, 34 years old, is currently in the Spartanburg County detention facility. Charges range from drug trafficking and . The case, dubbed "Los Banditos" by investigators, has to date resulted in the seizure of nearly 11 kilograms (24 pounds) of methamphetamine, 584 grams (1.3 pounds) of cocaine, approximately $63,000 in cash, and over 20 firearms in South Carolina, according to the attorney general. They also make the criminal aware that law enforcement will always pursue illegal operations that effect the safety of our citizens. CLICK HERE. Prado also indicated Interstate 85 in South Carolina was a major pipeline for trafficking. 1441 Main Street Suite 500
The case was prosecuted by OCDETF Lead Task Force Attorney Everett McMillian, along with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Hixson, who also serves as Deputy Solicitor for 15th Circuit Solicitors Office. All rights reserved. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The investigation is named Las Seoritas because several of the main targets are women who have allegedly fled to Mexico to escape prosecution in the United States. "They were working with inmates currently residing in the Department of Corrections who were able to, through command and control and the use of cellphones, support and facilitate this drug trafficking ring.. It might surprise people that cartel drug trafficking happens in South Carolina, but it does and were fighting to stop it, Wilson said. WALHALLA, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Oconee County Sheriffs Office said nine suspects were indicted by a State Grand Jury in the second phase of the ongoing Operation Rocket Fuel drug trafficking conspiracy investigation. He said both brothers have been incarcerated at SCDC since 2015 and have allegedly continued trafficking methamphetamine from prison using contraband cell phones. Each of the defendants pleaded guilty to one of two indictments that collectively contained 72 counts of violations of federal law ranging from drug conspiracy and firearms violations to using a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking. I want to extend my deepest appreciation to all the different agencies, investigators, prosecutors, and everyone behind the scenes who have helped in this case.. It is much more significant," he said. Record fentanyl busts, migrant encounters plague southern border. 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 . We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Fifteenth Circuit Solicitor Jimmy Richardson told WMBF News a couple of weeks ago that Operation Broken Branch is a perfect example of how federal, state and local agencies worked together to bring down a criminal organization and help make the communities feel safer. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Market data provided by Factset. Ricky Lainer Gay, 48 years old, is currently in the Spartanburg County detention facility. 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. According to the attorney general, much of the drug trafficking was run and facilitated by the owners of the Los Primos restaurant located in Greenville, South Carolina. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. They believe more than 1,000 kilograms of meth, 100 kilograms of cocaine and 2 kilograms of heroin were trafficked through South Carolina by the operation. she is charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine over 400 grams. Fentanyl seized by York County Sheriff's deputies. Got a tip for a story? This case illustrates the results that are possible when federal, state, and local agencies work together toward a common goal.. "We can identify where it's located in the prison yard, and then we can turn it over to the industry and within five days, they will turn it off. Fentanyl seized by York County Sheriff's deputies. Until we get around it and taking care of the cell phone until we can handle it we are going to keep having this problem, said Barnette. with the help of the South Carolina Department . The investigation is named Las Seoritas because several of the main targets are women who have allegedly fled to Mexico to escape prosecution in the United States. The U.S. Department of Justice says 11 were charged by indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. 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. While South Carolina has long lobbied Congress to pass the Cellphone Jamming Reform Act, which would allow state prison systems to jam cellphone signals, the act has never received a hearing. In May 20, the South Carolina Attorney General's Office announced that 26 people had been indicted for their alleged participation in a drug trafficking conspiracy operation, known as. They face up to 15 years in prison, the maximum for possession with the intent to distribute. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. McCoy Jr. announced a major drug bust in South Carolina. The names of those individuals are as follows: The Oconee County Sheriffs Office said they are still searching for the following two suspects: MORE NEWS: Judge to hear pending motions in Murdaugh case Friday. In his 2022 Netflix special The Kings Jester, comedian Hasan Minhaj confessed that the pursuit of social media clout had Durant was acquired from Brooklyn in a blockbuster trade three weeks ago but was sidelined until Wednesday with a sprained Senate Republicans on Wednesday bashed President Bidens pick to lead the Federal Aviation Administration, accusing him of not being qualified We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Deputies said the drug trafficking ring was coordinated by Kenneth Huckabee who was already behind bars for other crimes, including a 30-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter and aggravated nature in the killing of Jerry Bridwell. Samantha Nicole Bishop, 40 years old, is currently in the Spartanburg County detention facility. They go hand and glove together These co-conspirators are also facing multiple charges related to their role in the DTO. Seven people, including an inmate from the Tyger River Correctional Institute, are facing charges. $1.5M WORTH OF DRUGS SEIZED FROM VACANT SEATTLE APARTMENT. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. I want to extend my deepest appreciation to all the different agencies, investigators, prosecutors, and everyone behind the scenes who have helped in this case.Wilson said that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, along with local law enforcement, began making arrests as part of this investigation on Tuesday. He described the cartel as well-known and very violent organization. Los Banditos operation nets multiple arrests . All rights reserved. Its members were supplied with controlled substances from multiple interstate sources of supply, including one with direct ties to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) from Jalisco, Mexico. State Attorney General Alan Wilson announced grand jury indictments Wednesday against the owners of the Los Primos restaurant in Greenville, S.C. South Carolina partnered with Georgia and federal authorities to make the drug bust. Witnesses testified that the 2007 shooting was a drug deal gone array.. Updated: 8:44 PM EDT March 29, 2022. Investigators alleged the drug operation was linked to a Mexican drug cartel. 1 of 9. Police Seize Nearly 2,000 Fentanyl Pills in Drug Bust - CN2 News Police Seize Nearly 2,000 Fentanyl Pills in Drug Bust ROCK HILL, S.C. (CN2 NEWS) - A Rock Hill man is now behind bars after a recent drug bust where nearly 2,000 Fentanyl pills and more were seized. Bradford Betz is a Fox News Digital breaking reporter covering crime, political issues, and much more. This content is imported from YouTube. These operations require technology, experience, and boots on the ground in order to gather enough information to arrest and successfully prosecute participants in the drug trade. The upstate has become a hub," Wilson said at a press conference. Stirling says federal prisons are allowed to do so, but states are not.Stirling says this would allow them to track the cellphones inside the prisons and shut them off. Last week, deputies seized more than 30,000 grams of the drug fentanyl from a home on Golden Pond Drive in Clover. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Myth? Fox News Audrey Conklin contributed to this report. Just as important, it is a further example of our use of the state grand jury to partner state prosecutorial and law enforcement resources with county, local, and federal agencies, Wilson added. The following people have been arrested and charged in connection to the case: Kenneth Lee Huckabee, 41 years old, is currently in the Department of Corrections. Deputies from the Spartanburg County Narcotics Unit, with the help of the South Carolina Department of Corrections, began investigating in March 2022. GREENVILLE, S.C. . Were seeing it here in Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties in our circuit, said Barnette. These defendants received the following sentences: Copyright 2022 WMBF. Numerous law enforcement agencies have assisted in the Los Banditos operation including the S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED). In Georgia, however, information from the grand jury investigation led to the seizure of approximately 200 kilos of methamphetamine, 3.5 kilos of cocaine, 3.2 kilos of heroin, 5 ounces of cocaine mixed with fentanyl, 183 pounds of Marijuana, 900 Xanax pills, and multiple firearms from several stash houses and apartments in and around Atlanta. Sixteen people were charged Friday in a major drug trafficking organization that operated out of Lancaster County, South Carolina, McCoy said. Huckabee is charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine over 400 grams. Deputies discovered more than 30,000 grams of fentanyl. Published: May. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Solicitor Barnette said the issues stretch far beyond the Upstate. 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. And yes, he has LOTS of hats (including that Minnesota Twins lid pictured above). York County, SC. Get the news that matters most delivered directly to your inbox. Related charges some suspects are facing include resisting. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Hungry? Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Will Folksis the founding editor of the news outlet you are currently reading. Updated: 9:06 PM EDT October 24, 2022 YORK COUNTY, S.C. The York County Sheriff's Office held a news conference Monday morning to discuss a years-long investigation into a drug trafficking. These are illegal cell phones that are smuggled in, flown in by drones, thrown over fences, mailed in delivery trucks, any way you can think about it, said Bryan Stirling, Director of the South Carolina Department of Corrections. In May 20, the South Carolina Attorney Generals Office announced that 26 people had been indicted for their alleged participation in a drug trafficking conspiracy operation, known as Operation Rocket Fuel, which involved Heroin and Methamphetamine but also other illegal narcotics. All rights reserved. . "They were working with inmates currently residing in the Department of Corrections who were able to, through command and control and the use of cellphones, support and facilitate this drug trafficking ring. Wilson said the Seoritas would allegedly coordinate with SCDC inmates via contraband cell phones to have drugs, primarily methamphetamine, delivered to co-conspirators in the South Carolina Upstate. Drug trafficking and violence are not distant cousins," Wilson said. The cartel we believe is primarily involved in this is La Familia," Homeland Security Deputy Special Agent Mike Prado said. 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. Attorneys Office for the District of South Carolina announced today that all 30 have pleaded guilty and been sentenced in federal court. Published: Aug. 7, 2022 at 5:52 PM PDT. Wells Fargo Building
"Folks, if this was a bag full of terrorists, if this was anthrax, our response would be overwhelming," Young County Sheriff Kevin Tolson said. The Federal Communications Commission passed a rule that will allow state prisons to identify contraband cellphones and require carriers to turn the phone signals off in 2021.We were the first state prison system to apply under this rule and months later, five vendors that have completed the vendor application process are still waiting on the FCC to approve the applications to provide this service, SCDC Director Bryan Stirling said. BELTON, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Anderson County Sheriff's Office said arrested a man after finding a large amount of drugs and multiple guns at his . The seizure ultimately led to multiple other arrests and the discovery of additional illegal drugs in and around Spartanburg County. Operation Broken Branch was a much-needed enforcement operation in a rural area of Horry County plagued by illegal narcotics sales.. "We can identify that number," Stirling said. These defendants are allegedly living among Jalisco New Generation Cartel members and sourcing drugs directly from the Cartel. Theyre getting cell phones, electronic means to contact people outside. Constantly updated. 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. Judge DeAndrea Benjamin denied bond for twenty-three of the 32 defendants who were arrested. He said the street value of the more than 1,000 kilos of methamphetamine seized by law enforcement is over $75 million. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. "When you look at the I-85 corridor from Charlotte to Atlanta, obviously its an artery for this type of illicit activity.. Legal Statement. Or an issue youd like to address proactively? Nine indicted in Oconee Co. Operation Rocket Fuel drug bust, Trafficking meth 400 grams or more conspiracy, Possession of a schedule III controlled substance (Buprenorphine), Possession of a schedule IV controlled substance (Alprazolam), Possession of a firearm during commission of or attempt to commit a violent crime, Trafficking heroin greater than 28 grams (Conspiracy), Distribution of a narcotic schedule II controlled substance (Carfentanil), Trafficking methamphetamine 400 grams or more (Conspiracy), Distribution of narcotic schedule II controlled substance (Fentanyl), Possession of schedule III controlled substance (Buprenorphine and Naloxone), Trafficking methamphetamine 100-200 grams, Trafficking methamphetamine 400 grams or more, Possession of scheduled III controlled substance (Buprenorphine and Naloxone), Possession of a firearm during commission or attempt to commit a violent crime, Trafficking heroin 28 grams or more (Conspiracy), Murdaugh defense to make closing arguments at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Murdaugh Trial, Day 26: Testimony gets heated during states rebuttal, Attorney Jack Swerling Discusses Closing Arguments in Murdaugh Trial, High School in Rutherford Co. responds to reported threat, Veterans Museum of The Carolinas Launches Lecture Series, Upstate Mom Turns Grief Into Action After Son's Death From Hazing, Missing man found dead in Madison Co. following extensive search, Judge to hear pending motions in Murdaugh case Friday, kelli.radcliff@foxcarolina.com - 864-213-2103. Legal Statement. Deputies said on Thursday, June 30, a. or redistributed. Wilson announced Thursday that the South Carolina State Grand Jury has issued indictments that contain 170 charges against 43 defendants. Forty-three co-conspirators are charged with trafficking methamphetamine, 400 grams or more, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years and a maximum sentence of 30 years. She is charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine over 400 grams. I urge the commission to act quickly so we can stop this stop this criminal activity from being orchestrated from behind our nations state prison walls.. Got a technical question or a glitch to report? He lives in the Midlands region of the state with his wife and seven children. Updated: 8:03 PM EDT May 5, 2022 GREENWOOD, S.C. A joint operation in one South Carolina county has ended with a major drug bust with pills counted in the hundreds and raw drugs measured in . Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. A Families Against Fentanyl analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data released in December 2021 found that illicit fentanyl poisoning was the No. 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. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Oct 06, 2022 08:40am; One Lancaster County man died and another was rescued in a hang glider crash in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Drug trafficking and violence are not distant cousins," Wilson said. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! On March 9, 2022, deputies said that a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle that left Shonda Finchs house on Boot Hill Court in Spartanburg County. The long list of agencies who worked together for this case is a testament to the strength of our partnerships and our commitment to keeping our community safe, said Myrtle Beach Police Chief Amy Prock. In remarks at the press conference, Mike Prado resident agent in charge for DHS investigatory wing called the Los Banditos operation a major win not just for the agencies involved but for the people of South Carolina., Prado added the arrests connected to the sting were a significant blow to a transnational criminal organization.. $3.9Million South Carolina drug bust: On February 24, 2022, the Narcotics Unit of Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office received information that a quantity of narcotics was being shipped into. One of them was married to one of the cartel members," Wilson said. 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Updated October 21, 2022 8:37 AM. The restaurant served as a regional hub for an operation which allegedly trafficked cocaine and methamphetamine to numerous other states. The arrests and indictments were part of Operation Broken Branch, which targeted violent crime in the Cedar Branch area near Loris. (York County Sheriff's Office). The investigation was a multi-year, collaborative effort by several local, state and federal agencies including the Horry County Police Department, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, United States Marshals Service and the 15th Circuit Solicitors Office. These defendants are allegedly living among Jalisco New Generation Cartel members and sourcing drugs directly from the Cartel. The men claimed to have been rescued by The Waterworld and Miss Kathy boats. An assortment of other illicit narcotics were discovered at an additional address, including methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and mushrooms, authorities said. All rights reserved. We have an open microphone policy here at FITSNews! 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WYFF-TV. 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. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WMBF) A massive investigation into gang members and drug traffickers in Horry County helped to dismantle a violent criminal enterprise, according to federal authorities. Each agency brings unique assets to the table that enhances their ability for success. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. 18, 2022 at 10:15 AM PDT 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 you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. State Attorney General Alan Wilson announced grand jury indictments Wednesday against the owners of the Los Primos restaurant in Greenville, S.C. Kilos of meth, cocaine and heroin were seized in the bust and 34 people are charged . By working with our partners at SLED and local agencies, were able to investigate and prosecute complex trafficking conspiracies like this one and defend the rule of law. 2022 Blaze Media LLC. Investigators seized 11 kilograms of meth, 584 grams of cocaine, over 20 firearms and $63,000 in cash during the investigation. The wiretap investigation was quarterbacked by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in concert with the other agencies, who offered comments on the successful operation: FBI Special Agent in Charge Susan Ferensic, This latest sentencing signifies the end of this drug organization. This was a very large scale organized drug operation that allegedly was trafficking kilograms of drugs every week into Greenville County, Wilkins said in a statement. The wiretap investigation into the Cedar Branch organization was led by the FBI alongside other agencies. They are all outside where he is contacting other folks to do this, said Barry Barnette, Seventh Circuit Solicitor. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Its something he hopes will soon be put to an end. Official websites use .gov Theyre conducting drug deals, drug business just like normal.. 1 cause of death for American adults between the ages of 18 and 45 last year. The National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday. Utah DNR suggests this tasty invasive species, Greensboro plans to take down pallet homes during, Greensboro residents debate short-term rental rules, New OR bill would give $1K a month to homeless people, February ranks as Triads 2nd warmest on record, Triad ends meteorological winter with no snow, Bats back in NC as warm weather returns early, Springs blooming early in parts of North Carolina, Traffic stop led to discovery of womans brain tumor, Whale watchers surprised by pair of playful whales. So far, the Los Banditos operation has seized 11 kilograms of methamphetamine, 584 grams of cocaine, approximately $63,000 in cash, and over 20 firearms in South Carolina. The investigation focused on a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in Pickens, Greenville, Laurens, Anderson, and Oconee counties. SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. The Sumter County Sheriff's Office announced a large drug bust that took place during a search warrant at a residence in the 1300 block . We were the first state prison system to apply under this rule and months later, five vendors that have completed the vendor application process are still waiting on the FCC to approve the applications to provide this service, SCDC Director Bryan Stirling said. Sheriffs deputies said they executed a search warrant last week on Golden Pond Drive and another on Sherwood Circle. South Carolina prosecutors have announced its biggest drug bust in state history, with 100 defendants facing nearly 500 charges.