36 Indicted in Major Multi-State Drug Trafficking Investigation; Millions in Assets Seized Across South Carolina and Georgia

Lexington, SC 11/10/2026 - A major multi-state investigation targeting an international drug trafficking and money laundering organization has resulted in charges against 36 individuals, including nine people identified by the U.S. Department of Justice as being in the country illegally.

The investigation, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its federal, state and local law enforcement partners through the Homeland Security Task Force, uncovered an alleged drug distribution network operating throughout South Carolina and extending beyond state and international borders.

Authorities say the investigation resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of illegal drugs, firearms, cash and luxury assets believed to be connected to drug trafficking proceeds.

According to the Department of Justice, investigators seized:

• 346 kilograms of fentanyl

• 70 kilograms of cocaine

• 23 kilograms of methamphetamine

• 34 pounds of marijuana

• 43 firearms

• More than $2.8 million in cash

Investigators also seized jewelry and 15 luxury vehicles, including two Rolls-Royces, a Lamborghini and an Aston Martin. In addition, authorities secured notices of lawsuits involving 17 properties in South Carolina and Georgia, with an estimated combined value of nearly $4 million.

Investigation Reaches Communities Across South Carolina

Federal investigators say the alleged drug trafficking and money laundering organization, which is based in Mexico, has been operating in South Carolina since at least 2011.

Authorities identified members of the organization operating in Mexico, South Carolina and other states, as well as individuals connected to the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the South Carolina Department of Corrections.

According to investigators, the organization has been supplying South Carolina with hundreds of kilograms of fentanyl and cocaine since at least 2021. The drugs allegedly originated in Mexico before being transported across the southern U.S. border and distributed throughout the state.

Investigators also uncovered a large fentanyl distribution network stretching across the Lowcountry, Pee Dee, Grand Strand and Midlands regions.

Authorities allege that members of the network were responsible for pressing, repackaging and redistributing large quantities of fentanyl supplied by the organization.

36 Individuals Charged in the Investigation

The case has developed through multiple indictments.

An indictment filed in April 2026 charged 18 individuals accused of participating in the drug trafficking and money laundering operation. A 42-count superseding indictment unsealed in November added charges against another 16 individuals. Two additional individuals had previously been charged in a separate indictment in July 2025.

So far, six defendants have pleaded guilty.

U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina said the investigation has affected communities throughout the state and beyond, emphasizing the extensive cooperation among law enforcement agencies.

Acting DEA Atlanta Field Division Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Connolly said the investigation demonstrates the commitment of federal, state and local authorities to identifying those involved in distributing dangerous drugs and holding them accountable.

Attorney General Todd Blanche also credited the Homeland Security Task Force investigation with helping protect South Carolina communities from dangerous narcotics.

Lexington County Among Agencies Involved

The investigation involved an extensive list of law enforcement agencies from across South Carolina and neighboring areas.

Participating agencies included the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, FBI Columbia Field Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, South Carolina Department of Corrections and State Transport Police.

Local and regional agencies involved included:

• Aiken County Sheriff's Office

• Barnwell County Sheriff's Office

• Charleston County Sheriff's Office

• Columbia Police Department

• Florence County Sheriff's Office

• Georgetown County Sheriff's Department

• Horry County Police Department

• Horry County Sheriff's Department

• Kershaw County Sheriff's Office

• Lancaster County Sheriff's Office

• Lexington County Sheriff's Department

• Myrtle Beach Police Department

• North Myrtle Beach Police Department

• Orangeburg Department of Public Safety

• Richland County Sheriff's Department

• Surfside Beach Police Department

Additional participating agencies included the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, Cheraw Police Department, Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office, Gaston Police Department and Hartsville Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mike O'Mara and Cole Shannon of the District of South Carolina are prosecuting the case.

The investigation is part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative established under Executive Order 14159, which focuses on combating criminal cartels, transnational criminal organizations, foreign gangs and human smuggling and trafficking operations.

With hundreds of kilograms of dangerous narcotics seized and millions of dollars in assets targeted, the investigation represents a significant coordinated law enforcement effort aimed at disrupting alleged drug trafficking operations affecting communities throughout South Carolina.

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: An indictment is an allegation only. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.