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. The cartel we believe is primarily involved in this is La Familia," Homeland Security Deputy Special Agent Mike Prado said. A drop in the bucket compared to whats out there, she said. You didnt have any I love yous or goodbye or nothing. According to North Charleston authorities, Vernon Tyrell Willis, 26, has been arrested and charged with 13 counts of second-degree assault and battery. But where are the principals in this drama now?
FBI Columbia: Nine indicted on drug trafficking charges Purchase a new subscription and qualify for $100 of fine dining, theater tickets and MORE! Mark Powellisanaward-winning former TV journalist, government communications veteran, and a political consultant. 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. Still, they had the added challenge of crossing oceans and, in the case of Lebanon, interrupting a civil war that had been raging for five years. According to my law enforcement sources, this ongoing investigation has less to do with marijuana a drug which most people in the Palmetto State (including me) believe should be legalized and more to do with a rash of recent date rape druggings that allegedly occurred in the Five Points region of Columbia. A fundraising campaign established to help Sgt. The investigation and prosecution is known as Operation Jackpot, which was chronicled in a book called Jackpot: High Times, High Seas, and the Sting That Launched the War on Drugs by Jason Ryan. Politics. This would totally explain why LE is keeping such a tight, tight lid on everything. The payday for smugglers was double that of marijuana. Submit your letter to the editor (or guest column) via email HERE.
The adventurous will enjoy tales of exotic locales, fugitive escapades, and mountains of drugs and money. Obviously this news outlet will keep close tabs on this investigation as it moves forward .
Surrey couple plans to pay off mortgage after winning $500,000. Drugs, money, torture and murder were all part of a detailed web of gang-related, organized crime that flourished in South Carolina from at least 2017 until now, according to a federal. 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. Published: Dec. 10, 2021 at 4:07 PM PST. Ten other defendants are currently in prison. 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. Florida woman runs ultra-marathon distances for 23 consecutive days. Sergeant Forsberg gave and dedicated everything he had to his family, friends, coworkers, and the community.. 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. South Carolina partnered with Georgia and federal authorities to make the drug bust.
Feds charge 9 with drug charges after 2-year investigation - Live 5 News Throughout the extensive multi-agency investigation, it was revealed that the much of the drug trafficking was coordinated by current and former prison inmates through contraband cell phones. Got a technical question or a glitch to report? He was a dedicated father, public servant and friend. 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. 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. The trucks run by Mexican restaurant Los Primos. The numbers led back to Les. WALTERBORO, S.C. (WCSC/Gray News) - The jury in the Alex Murdaugh murder trial has convicted the disbarred Lowcountry attorney of murdering his wife and son. J. The thought immediately went through my mind that I wonder if they were responsible for his death, said Roberts. Tom Rhoad died in March 2005 after suffering an aneurysm. This content is made available by use of the public RSS feed offered by the host site and is used for educational purposes only. Unbeknownst to his grandmother, Skip charged the smugglers a fee to offload their product there. 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.
'They're dealing death': York County, S.C. state leaders speak on The Canal Street home was raided last Thursday by CPD narcotics agents prior to the Sears arrests. Piece by piece, the task force identified a web of drug smugglers, half of whom were South Carolina natives. Among the chief targets of Operation Jackpot were South Carolina marijuana kingpins Barry Foy, from Billinge and Les Riley, who stood accused of smuggling 347,000 pounds of marijuana and 130,000 pounds of hashish into the United States. 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. He was an assistant United States attorney at the time. We spent a lot of time together. Carolina Panthers founder, former owner Jerry Richardson dies at . Wilson announced. His upbringing was typical of the South, with plenty of time spent hunting, fishing, and escorting the occasional debutante. On Wednesday, a Durham man was arrested after a chase hitting 120 mph and the "Gray Death" drug was found, deputies say. It was unprecedented for the agencies to share information, much less work together and out of the same office. Last week, deputies seized more than 30,000 grams of the drug fentanyl from a home on Golden Pond Drive in Clover. McClellanvilles creeks were popular, too. Will Folksis the founding editor of the news outlet you are currently reading. We are forever indebted to his brave service and pray that he will Rest In Peace.. Its much more organized, as seen in this case.
Jury finds Alex Murdaugh guilty on all counts in double murder trial You didnt have any last words. The verdict came in shortly before 7 p .
South Carolina: Cartel drug trafficking investigation Coast Guard Cmdr. CLICK HERE.
20 people arrested for using drones to deliver over 100 pounds of North Carolina. SLED agent Robert Stewart and Bart Daniel also traveled to Australia while the case was being appealed. The 53-year-old sergeants exact cause of death was not released. 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. 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. McGowan is accused. Among those arrested on drug-trafficking and conspiracy charges were three Hilton Head Island residents and five Colombians. Bob Duncan said, 'It will be studied in law enforcement academies for many semesters on how this went so smoothly. Taylor Lynnette Glover (Lancaster County Sheriff's Office) Recent bookings, Arrests, Mugshots in South Carolina Bookings, Arrests and Mugshots in South Carolina To search and filter the Mugshots for South Carolina simply click on the at the top of the page. 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. Especially, when it is quite literally close to home. Folks, if this was a bag full of terrorists, if this was anthrax, our response would be overwhelming. Les Riley lives on Seabrook Island. This content is courtesy of, and owned and copyrighted by, https://bluelivesmatter.blue and its author. Bone-Breakers, crossbow . Forsbergs death in a Facebook post several days later. The agents deserve all the credit, says Bart Daniel of the task force. CLICK HERE. 'This has been the most aggressive, high-tech, team-oriented operation in the history of South Carolina,' Daniel 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. We have an open microphone policy here at FITSNews! The Lowcountry paper only got part of the story, though . Similarly, this is why they chose not to traffic cocaine. U.S Attorney E. Bart Daniel said the half-ton of uncut cocaine valued at $10 million was the largest confiscation of drugs in South Carolina history. SCDC Inmates Darrell Foster McCoy, Jr. a/k/a DJ and Matthew David McCoy have been involved in drug trafficking since 2011. They learned they could make more money if they obtained their product from Colombia rather than Jamaica. I highly suggest you watch Mandy Matneys Murdaugh Murders Podcast - especially those about Alexs possible connection to drugs smuggling along the east coast.
2 arrested after approx. $3.4M worth of cocaine found in - WPDE Investigators say six defendants in Mexico are now living among Jalisco New Generation Cartel members and are sourcing drugs directly from the cartel. Georgia. As a true crime community, we promote civil discussions surrounding the alleged crimes of Alex Murdaugh and related entanglements. But these moms believe getting some of the big fish off the street could save the lives of many.
South Carolina Drug Bust Found Drugs Allegedly Being Sold From About 80 law enforcement officers descended on the home and made the arrests Wednesday without firing a shot, Verinder said. This is the second drug bust along I-95 in Nash County this week. Listen online or download the iHeart App. So both were allegedly dealing marijuana, right? It was a devastating blow to the task force. 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. 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 . Thats so many kids that could have died. In 1971, they asked Barry and another hotel guest to sail to Jamaica to bring back 400 pounds of marijuana. At last, the High Court ruled that Americas kingpin statute was an extraditable offense in 40 nations of the former British Empire. Roberts says Adam thought he was taking Xanax for his anxiety but ended up with enough fentanyl in his system to kill four people. 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. Still, it was more than they could spend. In the 1970s, the drug was widely used, and the publics attitude was apathetic. Cartels dont play games. Defendant Marcy Dawn Vickers allegedly fled in 2022. He was joined at a news conference in Columbia by S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) chief Mark Keel and other authorities. 170 charges filed against defendants linked to Mexican cartel . When the hospital drug tested Paul the night of the boating accident, there were no drugs in his system. 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. . according to the press release from the South Carolina attorney general. Barry was apprehended at the LaGuardia airport wearing a full-length mink coat. Barry and Les decided to look for a quieter entry point for their product. So they are applauding the work, knowing much more work needs done. After a drug bust in South Carolina,. If you engage in this illicit type of activity, drug trafficking, youre going to eventually get busted and were going to put you away, Wilson said. Les and Barry considered marijuana a nearly legal product. 5, 2022 at 7:26 PM EDT . We decided to figure out who they were and catch them at home. With this new approach. Mandy does an amazing job with her investigative journalism.
Half-ton of cocaine seized aboard yacht docked on resort island One of South Carolina's largest drug smuggling bust News, news, seriousness, tension(1077866) - Lyrebirds music. Because of lax drug coastal patrols, hometown familiarity and a plethora of inlets, South Carolina was the gentlemen smugglers' most frequent destination for offloading drugs. 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! Got a technical question or a glitch to report? 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. 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. It might surprise people that cartel drug trafficking happens in South Carolina, but it does and were fighting to stop it, Wilson said. These are low level dealers.
Operation Jackpot (drug investigation) - Wikipedia Judge Hawkins died in 2005, Dewey Greager in 2017, and Cam Littlejohn in 2018. They owned homes on St. Barthlemy and drank copious amounts of expensive wine.
UNC drug bust lands 21 in jail connected to fraternities | wcnc.com Henry immediately sought to attack drug smuggling at the highest levels of the trade. If there is a drug connection to Alex, he would definitely be the big fish in the region. 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. With that, Barrys career as a drug smuggler launched, and he enjoyed legendary status among Columbias marijuana enthusiasts. Possession of drug paraphernalia charge; $95,000 secure bond; . When I saw the address come up we knew people that used to live on that road. Reflecting back, Governor McMaster says, It was virtually impossible to catch them in the act.
53 charged, 24 arrested in drug operation in Spartanburg Co. - WSPA 7NEWS 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. Attorney General Wilson said that drugs in the southeast are typically trafficked across the southern border and sent to Atlanta, where they are then distributed to neighboring states. According to authorities, six of the . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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 . Officials say they tracked down . 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. 'These definitely are major players.'. In time, the drug trade grew crowded in South Florida. 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. 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. He was as pleasant as can be.. Many of the drugs were allegedly trafficked out of the restaurant, and also out of taco trucks owned by the restaurant, officials said. 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. Typical agency turf wars were not allowed; anyone who refused to play nice was excused from the team. National. 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. 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 cocaine was found in secret compartments aboard a twin-masted, 47-foot sailing yacht named the 'Arc.'. 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. 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. "When you look at the I-85 corridor from Charlotte to Atlanta, obviously its an artery for this type of illicit activity.. However, it looks like a lot to us. Dubbed "Operation Pentagon," the investigation targeted the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and crack cocaine that has "plagued" the county, Smalls said. Large drug bust in Hampton County (for those of you who believe drugs played a role in the murders). They were executed with premeditation. pic.twitter.com/d7G9ESlzUY, Florida Police Benevolent Association (@FL_PBA) January 30, 2023. Unfortunately, Columbia police did not immediately respond to these inquiries and news of the arrests broke Sunday afternoon in The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier. The two men were nicknamed the Gentlemen Smugglers given their standards and college education. The surviving Gentlemen Smugglers still gather occasionally at an event they call The Felons Ball., In the fall of 1986, in a speech in Columbia, President Reagan said, Operation Jackpot was our first major breakthrough in our war on drugs.. CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Nine people are facing federal charges after a major drug bust in the Hollywood area of southern Charleston County. The couple is also known as Rob and Lynn Greene. Soldiers would sometimes even help load drugs onto the boats and then, once they were clear of land, fighting resumed. Sergeant Forsberg served 21 years with the Broward Sheriffs Office and was a great asset to the BSOs Homicide Unit. The task force, in concert with the U.S. Attorneys Office, worked to bring the Gentlemen Smugglers and their associates to justice.
Hilton Head was marijuana smuggling hotspot before 1980s bust | Hilton Deputies seize more than 90 pounds of marijuana during drug bust at , 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/. Well hold the line from here. According to a news. 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. State Attorney General Alan Wilson announced grand jury indictments Wednesday against the owners of the Los Primos restaurant in Greenville, S.C. I believe the drug smuggling is discussed in Podcast Episodes 31 and 32. Ultimately, Operation Jackpot would indict four smuggling rings operating in South Carolina. It wouldnt be the best idea but who knows? Alleged drug traffickers in South Carolina used taco trucks to transport pounds of meth, cocaine and heroin, state prosecutors said Wednesday. He is also an author and an avid Civil War enthusiast. Rest easy, hero. Officials with the Lexington County Sheriff's Department said Javier Ayala has been charged . For those who want the full story of this local legend, Jackpot is a something-for-everyone kind of tale. Les and another defendant, Wally Butler, were found living in Australia and arrested on May 5, 1983. And yes, he has LOTS of hats (including the above-pictured Washington Senators lid). The investigation was dubbed Las Seoritas because several women among the main targets allegedly fled to Mexico to escape prosecution in the United States. Politics. Forsbergs family in the wake of their loss has raised more than $34,000 so far.
Recent bookings, Arrests, Mugshots in South Carolina - Recently Booked The last fugitive from Operation Jackpot was arrested in 2007. Updated: Oct. 29, 2020 at 4:30 PM PDT. 'These are all upper-level or. It is much more significant," he said. He walked in and stood in front of Barts desk. Houses, land, boats, and prized cars all disappeared into government coffers, much to the consternation of the Gentlemen Smugglers and their associates. He eagerly implemented it in South Carolina. Defendant Michael Pardi allegedly fled last month. CLICK HERE. He has friends that have died.
9 arrested after drug bust in Greenwood County, deputies say - WHNS