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. With that, Barrys career as a drug smuggler launched, and he enjoyed legendary status among Columbias marijuana enthusiasts. Federal drug unit targets South Surrey home in bust spanning Lower Mainland. 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. Given their standards and their college educations, the two men were nicknamed the Gentlemen Smugglers.. 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. National. The task force, in concert with the U.S. Attorneys Office, worked to bring the Gentlemen Smugglers and their associates to justice. Published: May. He has friends that have died. Especially, when it is quite literally close to home. This content is courtesy of, and owned and copyrighted by, https://bluelivesmatter.blue and its author. Thanks to a corrupt jailer, Bob later escaped from a Charleston County jail and disappeared. Jonathan Sears who owns or co-owns a lengthy list of Columbia establishments including The Bird Dog, The Cotton Gin, The Gourmet Shop, Hendrix, Jakes Bar and Pavlovs was arrested along with his relative, Geoffrey Sears, on Blossom Street last Thursday by officers of the Columbia, S.C. police department (CPD). We are forever indebted to his brave service and pray that he will Rest In Peace. Agents also seized about $1 million in property, including the rented home, the yacht and five vehicles. Also important were the right boats: some were made for blue water (long term, open sea) sailing; some were not. The investigation was dubbed Las Seoritas because several women among the main targets allegedly fled to Mexico to escape prosecution in the United States. Some even volunteered to come along, enticed by the idea of cruising the Caribbean and returning on mattresses of marijuana bales. Thats so many kids that could have died. 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. "A well-known, very violent cartel thats operated for many years in Mexico.. Also, 2 guys were arrested one month before the murders on drug charges: https://fox28media.com/news/local/deputies-2-arrested-meth-seized-in-hampton-county-south-carolina-drug-operation 13 51 51 comments New Add a Comment Tardis301 1 min. 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. South Carolina. 2 arrested after approx. $3.4M worth of cocaine found in - WPDE By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. They were arraigned late Wednesday in Charleston before U.S. District Judge Sol Blatt Jr. Feds indict 40 in SC organized crime case with ties to drugs, murder North Carolina. The numbers led back to Les. UNC drug bust lands 21 in jail connected to fraternities | wcnc.com Email him at mark@fitsnews.com. Her son, Adam, fell victim to the drug. Half-ton of cocaine seized aboard yacht docked on resort island 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. 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. Folks, if this was a bag full of terrorists, if this was anthrax, our response would be overwhelming. 'We smashed an international drug smuggling operation,' said Frederick B. Verinder, the FBI agent in charge of the investigation. 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. It is a drop in the bucket. Federal charges tied to largest-ever York County fentanyl bust | Rock Les and Barry considered marijuana a nearly legal product. Paul and drugs are rumors . 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. The sheriff added that 87 people have lost their lives to fentanyl so far in 2022. Simpson Says Hes Not Qualified To Say If Alex Murdaugh Did It. Another tip came through phone numbers salvaged from a suspected drug boat scuttled in the Edisto River. Sergeant Forsberg gave and dedicated everything he had to his family, friends, coworkers, and the community.. These are just the highlights of this incredible, true tale. Both sides ceased fire when the smugglers boats arrived to pick up hashish because drug money paid for the war to go on. At Henry and Brians suggestion, the two began following the money. 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. Minnesota officer removes jar from raccoon's head. Purchase a new subscription and qualify for $100 of fine dining, theater tickets and MORE! Published: Dec. 10, 2021 at 4:07 PM PST. So far, law enforcement has only publicly said that a large amount of marijuana was discovered at a residence on Canal Street drive in Columbia, S.C. along with cash and a firearm. Last week, deputies seized over 30,000 grams of the drug fentanyl from a home on Golden Pond Drive in Clover. Cape Fear Bust: 20 arrests, 50 weapons, 10,000 grams of narcotics So they are applauding the work, knowing much more work needs done. Banned items included crack cocaine, knives, tobacco, guns, phones, and even candy. Deputies say that the drug bust happened on Tuesday on Southers. All rights reserved. All Rights Reserved. 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. Click this link for the original source of this article. 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. South Carolina partnered with Georgia and federal authorities to make the drug bust. Wild as it seems, the story is true. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. Officials refused to identify the fifth Colombian arrested. 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. 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. With each trip, Barry and Les learned more about the smuggling business. 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. His upbringing was typical of the South, with plenty of time spent hunting, fishing, and escorting the occasional debutante. We decided to figure out who they were and catch them at home. With this new approach. 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. Copyright 2022 WBTV. Many of the drugs were allegedly trafficked out of the restaurant, and also out of taco trucks owned by the restaurant, officials said. 4-day drug sweep nets 19 arrests in Hampton County So when she sees the huge spread of the same drug that killed her child on a sheriffs office table instead of someones system, she is hopeful but cautious. Rounding up these folks could well get them talking about the big drug bosses. 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. The 53-year-old sergeants exact cause of death was not released. The case is referred to as "Prison Empire," one of the state's largest narcotics conspiracy investigations ever indicted. The trucks run by Mexican restaurant Los Primos. The verdict came in shortly before 7 p . Attorney General Alan Wilson said a joint investigation in the Upstate called "Los Banditos" alleges much of the drug trafficking was run and . District of South Carolina | 34-Count Federal Indictment Charges 12 They felt guns were unnecessary and, in fact, invited violence. 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. Bob Byers was caught in Antigua by DEA agent Dewey Greager and David Forbes, who posed as buyers of his $900,000 sailboat, La Cautiva. 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. Mandy does an amazing job with her investigative journalism. Also Hampton county had 388 overdoses and 15 deaths in one year that seems really high for a county of 19,000 people. The co-conspirators would then drive to Atlanta and other locations to pick up kilograms of methamphetamine, bring it to South Carolina, and then distribute it in the Upstate, according to police and prosecutors. The smugglers also borrowed plantations along the coast owned by rich Northerners who rarely visited. 7-year-old baseball umpire seeks Guinness World Record. 9 arrested after drug bust in Greenwood County, deputies say. Its much more organized, as seen in this case. South Carolina: Cartel drug trafficking investigation Feds charge 9 with drug charges after 2-year investigation - Live 5 News NYC Asking People to Give Bikes to Illegal Aliens! Author: Holly Matkin. The post Hero Down: Broward Sheriffs Office Sergeant Kevin Forsberg Dies Unexpectedly appeared first on The Police Tribune. And what about all the rumors you preach as gospel. National Park Service: 'Never push a slower friend down' in a bear encounter, March 2 (UPI) -- The National Park Service offered some sage advice for park visitors who encounter bears: "Never push a slower friend down. 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 McCoys were served with notice of the states intention to seek life without the possibility of parole at their bond hearings last week. Yet our response to the opioid and fentanyl crisis is underwhelming, Tolson said. [1] Known as the 'gentlemen smugglers' because of their college educations and aversion to violence, Foy, Riley and their associates regularly sailed drug-laden boats from Jamaica, Colombia and Lebanon through the marshes of the Eastern Seaboard. 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. Conventional thinking was that major smuggling originated in big cities like New York, Atlanta, or Chicago; however, David Forbes with the IRS and Claude McDonald with Customs received enough tips and rumors over the years to believe the culprits were closer to home. 'For the most part, these drugs were not headed for South Carolina,' he said. 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. This is absolutely the pill of death, said Patty Roberts, a mother who lost her son to a fentanyl death. These are low level dealers. Well hold the line from here. Attorney general Alan Wilson announced the indictments on Thursday. 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. Investigators have also seized 20 kilograms of meth, 5 kilos of heroin, 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, and 82 firearms. The cocaine was found in secret compartments aboard a twin-masted, 47-foot sailing yacht named the 'Arc.'. Eight people suspected of importing the drug from Colombia and distributing it throughout the East Coast were arrested as they arrived at a Sea Pines Plantation Home to pick up the cocaine. These losers may have been the only people left in the county who would hang out with Paul. The attorney general's office said a "substantial portion" of the drugs seized in Atlanta were intended for South Carolina. SLED agent Robert Stewart and Bart Daniel also traveled to Australia while the case was being appealed. 'Operation Jackpot' indicts 40 - UPI Archives 100 Charged In Largest Drug Bust In South Carolina History 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. After college, Les moved to Key West and started a landscaping business, cutting grass for $5. 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. The third island resident was identified as Kathy G. Gerald, 39. Ten other defendants are currently in prison. 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. Theyre dealing death, Tolson said. This major drug trafficking ring was anything but unbelievable, said Solicitor Walt Wilkins. If its similar in Hampton county none of the people were major players instead addict selling to other addicts but who knows. Hes an incredible person to me of course. A South Carolina sheriff's office has concluded a one-year investigation into a major drug operation that saw them seizing enough fentanyl to kill around 15 million people. Georgia. 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. 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. Could a rash of recent date rapes in this college town be the focus of city polices ongoing investigation?. 20 people arrested for using drones to deliver over 100 pounds of Les bought a home on Hilton Head, as well as other property, and used it for offloading his merchandise. 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. Charlestons famous restaurant, 82 Queen, was seized as well. 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. The upstate has become a hub," Wilson said at a press conference. Within a short time, the men identified Barry as someone who recently used cash for a large land purchase. 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. If there is a drug connection to Alex, he would definitely be the big fish in the region. Our hearts go out to Sergeant Kevin Forsbergs family, friends and colleagues at Broward Sheriffs Office where he served in the BSOs Homicide Unit. 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. He counted playwright Tennessee Williams as a client and musician Jimmy Buffett as a friend. In college at the University of South Carolina, Les was known to take his dates to the roof of Cornell Arms to smoke marijuana and enjoy the sunset. <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> According to a news. Florida woman runs ultra-marathon distances for 23 consecutive days. . Christian K-8 school last year declared that 'we stand with the LGBTQIA+ community and believe in their holiness.' 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. Holly Alsobrooks son Cody is one of them. Last week, deputies seized more than 30,000 grams of the drug fentanyl from a home on Golden Pond Drive in Clover. 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. National. By FOX Carolina News Staff. They dont want you to see this Big Tech does its best to limit what news you see. Bob Byers got a 25-year sentence plus eight years for his escape. Hilton Head was marijuana smuggling hotspot before 1980s bust | Hilton British bus driver stops to give loose sheep a lift. Barry Foy and Les were making so much money it was hard to figure out what to do with it all. Law enforcement says the people arrested for this crime will face 15 years in prison. 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. 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. After brief attempts at college, first at Newberry College and then at USC, Barry began selling marijuana in Five Points. pic.twitter.com/d7G9ESlzUY, Florida Police Benevolent Association (@FL_PBA) January 30, 2023. He was joined at a news conference in Columbia by S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) chief Mark Keel and other authorities. South Carolina drug bust catches Charleston college drug ring pushing Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. It might surprise people that cartel drug trafficking happens in South Carolina, but it does and were fighting to stop it, Wilson said. 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.. 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. We have an open microphone policy here at FITSNews! All theories are just as valid for the time being. 'This has been the most aggressive, high-tech, team-oriented operation in the history of South Carolina,' Daniel said. South Carolina authorities seize enough fentanyl to kill 15 million 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. Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony announced Sgt. The co-conspirators also face multiple charges related to their role in the drug trafficking operation. And yes, he has LOTS of hats (including the above-pictured Washington Senators lid). According to authorities, six of the . This was a year-long investigation that resulted in the arrests of six 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. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Pinch the little fish to get info on the big fish. Jury finds Alex Murdaugh guilty on all counts in double murder trial Large drug bust in Hampton County (for those of you who believe drugs played a role in the murders). The couple is also known as Rob and Lynn Greene. Unbeknownst to his grandmother, Skip charged the smugglers a fee to offload their product there. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Piece by piece, the task force identified a web of drug smugglers, half of whom were South Carolina natives. SC grand jury indicts 34 accused in 2-state drug ring - Live 5 News He was also a member of the cast of A&Es The First 48, where he and his team raced to solve murders immediately after crimes are committed. SEE IT: Bidens message to Zelenskyy written in Ukraine Royal Palace guest book, Twitter 2023 USSA News, The Tea Party's Front Page. Methinks a killer(s) may be among those photos?! 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. 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. Sergeant Forsberg served 21 years with the Broward Sheriffs Office and was a great asset to the BSOs Homicide Unit. 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. 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. Kentucky man stops for breakfast, wins $50,000 lottery prize. For those who want the full story of this local legend. Two rules were sacrosanct: no guns and no smuggling cocaine. 'We did not make any arrests of users or first-level distributors,' said Verinder. Drug traffickers used a Mexican eatery and taco trucks to transport drugs around South Carolina, state prosecutors said Wednesday. Houses, land, boats, and prized cars all disappeared into government coffers, much to the consternation of the Gentlemen Smugglers and their associates. Large drug bust in Hampton County (for those of you who believe drugs played a role in the murders). This would totally explain why LE is keeping such a tight, tight lid on everything. 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. But, by pooling their collective expertise, they were an extraordinarily effective weapon against drug smuggling. Last week, deputies seized more than 30,000 grams of the drug fentanyl from a home on Golden Pond Drive in Clover. Got something youd like to say in response to one of our articles? What if someone not affiliated with drugs at all wanted Paul taken out and hired somebody local on the fringes of society? Still, it was more than they could spend. 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. . 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. 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. 'These are all upper-level or. , 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/. J. Submit your letter to the editor (or guest column) via email HERE. Taylor Lynnette Glover (Lancaster County Sheriff's Office) Click this link for the original source of this article. Those murders look very much like a drug hit and probably not a hit by some low down on the food chain drug users. The defendants, mostly from South Carolina, were traced to alleged narcotics operations through a 'paper trail' of bank drafts, passports and other documents. McGowan is accused. The last fugitive from Operation Jackpot was arrested in 2007. 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 .
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