Kingpin Les Riley, who grew up in Columbia and attended USC, had a Southern upbringing that included hunting, fishing, and escorting the occasional debutante. 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. It was unprecedented for the agencies to share information, much less work together and out of the same office. Specifically, date rape druggings which are alleged to have occurred at Sears establishments. The upstate has become a hub," Wilson said at a press conference. A normal hashish load had a street value of $90 million. However, it looks like a lot to us. The case was investigated by the South Carolina State Grand Jury, which was assisted in this case by a partnership of the Attorney Generals State Grand Jury Division, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the South Carolina Department of Corrections Office of the Inspector General, the Greenville County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit, the Thirteenth Circuit Solicitors office, Anderson County Sheriffs Office, Pickens County Sheriffs Office, Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office, Easley Police Department, Abbeville County Sheriffs Office, and the Oconee County Sheriffs Office. Curiously, though, police did not immediately say what type of drug Jonathan Sears allegedly possessed/ intended to distribute. All theories are just as valid for the time being. Henry immediately sought to attack drug smuggling at the highest levels of the trade. Email him at mark@fitsnews.com. 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. 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. Or an issue youd like to address proactively? Attorney General Alan Wilson said a joint investigation in the Upstate called "Los Banditos" alleges much of the drug trafficking was run and . Bob Duncan said, 'It will be studied in law enforcement academies for many semesters on how this went so smoothly. The cartel we believe is primarily involved in this is La Familia," Homeland Security Deputy Special Agent Mike Prado said. And what about all the rumors you preach as gospel. Les Riley lives on Seabrook Island. The McCoys were served with notice of the states intention to seek life without the possibility of parole at their bond hearings last week. 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. The next big adventure came through importing hashish from faraway locales like Lebanon and Singapore. The Lowcountry paper only got part of the story, though . Illegal drugs,. The sheriff added that 87 people have lost their lives to fentanyl so far in 2022. Overdue book returned to Massachusetts library after 56 years. March 3 (UPI) -- A Massachusetts library said a book was recently returned with a note apologizing for the tome being 56 years overdue. They stored it in monetary safe havens around the world but also spent it on homes, cars, and nice vacations. 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. Pinch the little fish to get info on the big fish. Tom Rhoad received a 15-year sentence, Barry Foy got 18 years, and Les Riley was sentenced to 21 years. Click this link for the original source of this article. We use cookies to better understand website visitors, for advertising, and to offer you a better experience. 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. When all the Operation Jackpot trials were over, more than 100 smugglers went to jail. Forsbergs death in a Facebook post several days later. Will Folksis the founding editor of the news outlet you are currently reading. Barry and Les met in Key West where, in 1973, Barry persuaded Les that smuggling grass was much more lucrative than cutting it. Bob Byers got a 25-year sentence plus eight years for his escape. YORK COUNTY, S.C. (WBTV) - The York County sheriff provided more information Monday on a huge drug bust. This month the DEA made the biggest. But where are the principals in this drama now? LEXINGTON, S.C. (WIS) - A more than two-year investigation landed 17 people in federal custody as authorities busted a drug trafficking ring in the Midlands. SCDC Inmates Darrell Foster McCoy, Jr. a/k/a DJ and Matthew David McCoy have been involved in drug trafficking since 2011. Surrey couple plans to pay off mortgage after winning $500,000. 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. 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. CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Nine people are facing federal charges after a major drug bust in the Hollywood area of southern Charleston County. For those who want the full story of this local legend. Large drug bust in Hampton County (for those of you who believe drugs played a role in the murders). Defendant Marcy Dawn Vickers allegedly fled in 2022. 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. Banned items included crack cocaine, knives, tobacco, guns, phones, and even candy. Their synergy was really something.. These are just the highlights of this incredible, true tale. according to the press release from the South Carolina attorney general. The agents deserve all the credit, says Bart Daniel of the task force. 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. 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. Especially, when it is quite literally close to home. These are low level dealers. Its the most amazing story going on in law enforcement in the United States today, said Henry at the time. India News | Press Trust of India | Wednesday December 21, 2022. When I saw the address come up we knew people that used to live on that road. 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. What is the talk on the street? They grew their network to include names like Tom Rolex Rhoad, John Smokin Sneakers Jamison, Ashley Brunson, Bob Willie the Whale Bauer, Christy Campbell, and Frank Gunn, to name just a few, and occasionally partnered with a Virginia smuggling ring led by Barry Ice Cream Toombs that included Virginia brothers Lee and Michael Harvey. The return trip home was worse, especially when they were fired upon when straying too close to Cuba. In this article we take a look at the 18 biggest drug busts in US history. After college, Les moved to Key West and started a landscaping business, cutting grass for $5. Her son, Adam, fell victim to the drug. Agents also seized about $1 million in property, including the rented home, the yacht and five vehicles. For those who want the full story of this local legend, Jackpot is a something-for-everyone kind of tale. And hes just missed beyond words, she said. 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. Finally, having an accessible and secluded place to offload was vital. South Carolina prosecutors have announced its biggest drug bust in state history, with 100 defendants facing nearly 500 charges. All rights reserved. Georgia. 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. The numbers led back to Les. 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. That was a good feeling seeing all those pills were off the street. Politics. On Wednesday, a Durham man was arrested after a chase hitting 120 mph and the "Gray Death" drug was found, deputies say. Got a tip for a story? Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. Ultimately, Operation Jackpot would indict four smuggling rings operating in South Carolina. Wilson announced. 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. 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. His loved ones and his BSO family will forever carry on his legacy.. Others, including Barry and Les, were harder to bring in. Greenville, South Carolina--- Acting United States Attorney M. Rhett Dehart announced today that, on Thursday, August 12, 2021, a joint team of 130 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers simultaneously executed 20 federal search warrants and arrested 12 individuals charged in a 34-count federal indictment for their roles in a drug trafficking organization that operated primarily . Soldiers would sometimes even help load drugs onto the boats and then, once they were clear of land, fighting resumed. Also, these arrests are reportedly just the beginning of a much broader investigation . 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. Also important were the right boats: some were made for blue water (long term, open sea) sailing; some were not. 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. National. No way drug dealers did this imo . . 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. 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. With that, Barrys career as a drug smuggler launched, and he enjoyed legendary status among Columbias marijuana enthusiasts. A man has been arrested for a major drug bust in Rutherford County, according to the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office. Unbeknownst to his grandmother, Skip charged the smugglers a fee to offload their product there. Obviously this news outlet will keep close tabs on this investigation as it moves forward . In time, the drug trade grew crowded in South Florida. 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. They owned homes on St. Barthlemy and drank copious amounts of expensive wine. The last fugitive from Operation Jackpot was arrested in 2007. The case is referred to as "Prison Empire," one of the state's largest narcotics conspiracy investigations ever indicted. TikTok video from True Crime Stories (@truecrimestories215): "The 1981 South Carolina Drug Smuggling Bust In The Edisto River #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truestory #truecrimetiktok #makingamurderer #AlexMurdaugh #trending #fyp". According to investigators, the large drug operation trafficked in more than 1,000 kilograms of methamphetamine, or more than 2,200 pounds. ", Woman wins $100,000 lottery prize 11 hours after $11,000 casino jackpot. Wild as it seems, the story is true. J. Georgia. RAPID CITY, S.D. Holly Alsobrooks son Cody is one of them. Drugs Worth Rs 1,500 Crore Destroyed In Delhi Over 8 Years, 154 Arrested. This is absolutely the pill of death, said Patty Roberts, a mother who lost her son to a fentanyl death. 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. 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. That is apparently the maximum for the possession with intent to distribute fentanyl drug charges. They dont want you to see this Big Tech does its best to limit what news you see. The two men were nicknamed the Gentlemen Smugglers given their standards and college education. In college at the University of South Carolina, Les was known to take his dates to the roof of. Barry flew to Jamaica to meet with suppliers, while Les and three others struggled to sail there in storms, high seas, and high winds. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. If its similar in Hampton county none of the people were major players instead addict selling to other addicts but who knows. 2023 Columbia Metropolitan. The owner of multiple businesses in the Five Points shopping and entertainment district in downtown Columbia, South Carolina and the former vice president of its influential neighborhood association was arrested along with a relative last week on multiple drug charges. Music, radio and podcasts, all free. The story is utterly fantastic, with a list of villains so long one has trouble keeping up with them all. 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. Les Riley grew up just a few miles from downtown Columbia. 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. We spent a lot of time together. All Rights Reserved. This is the second drug bust along I-95 in Nash County this week. They were executed with premeditation. The statement on theinvestigation revealed alleged connections to Mexican drug trafficking cartels operating in South Carolina and Georgia. 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. A fundraising campaign established to help Sgt. Piece by piece, the task force identified a web of drug smugglers, half of whom were South Carolina natives. Military Digest Charleston man saved. Daniel said the cocaine could have been sold for about $100 million if processed into crack. The Canal Street home was raided last Thursday by CPD narcotics agents prior to the Sears arrests. 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. 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. 170 charges filed against defendants linked to Mexican cartel . Pastor shoved out door, knocked flat on his back after protesting library's drag queen event for children. McClellanvilles creeks were popular, too. 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. This hit the drug smugglers smack in the purse strings. Updated October 21, 2022 8:37 AM. The task force, in concert with the U.S. Attorneys Office, worked to bring the Gentlemen Smugglers and their associates to justice. He was as pleasant as can be.. Drug traffickers used a Mexican eatery and taco trucks to transport drugs around South Carolina, state prosecutors said Wednesday. Reflecting back, Governor McMaster says, It was virtually impossible to catch them in the act. SLED agent Robert Stewart and Bart Daniel also traveled to Australia while the case was being appealed. It was a devastating blow to the task force. 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.. Could a rash of recent date rapes in this college town be the focus of city polices ongoing investigation?. Officials say they tracked down . I believe it was his girlfriend, Morgan Doughty, that said he used cocaine on multiple occasions during her sworn deposition. Houses, land, boats, and prized cars all disappeared into government coffers, much to the consternation of the Gentlemen Smugglers and their associates. COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - According to the FBI Columbia Field Office and the Columbia Violent Gang Task Force, nine people were indicted Tuesday for drug . South Carolina. You didnt have any I love yous or goodbye or nothing. Other choices included an abandoned oyster shelling company on Hilton Head and West Bank Plantation on Edisto Island, owned by Ella Seabrook, grandmother of Barry and Les friend, Skip Sanders. But these moms believe getting some of the big fish off the street could save the lives of many. Got a tip or a story idea for Mark? Wild as it seems, the story is true. South Carolina prosecutors have announced its biggest drug bust in state history, with 100 defendants facing nearly 500 charges. Patty Roberts is not mincing her words when speaking on fentanyl. Rounding up these folks could well get them talking about the big drug bosses. 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. 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 todays dollars. Investigators say six defendants in Mexico are now living among Jalisco New Generation Cartel members and are sourcing drugs directly from the cartel. 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. 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. Related: Search warrant leads to seizure of more than 30 kilograms of fentanyl in York County. 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. Firefighters hoist horse stranded in backyard swimming pool. 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. The couple is also known as Rob and Lynn Greene. |, 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.