To source the best marijuana, Barry partnered with another smuggler named Bob the Boss Byers, who took Barry into the mountains of Colombia to meet farmers directly. 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 smugglers also borrowed plantations along the coast owned by rich Northerners who rarely visited. Hilton Head was marijuana smuggling hotspot before 1980s bust | Hilton Now, 13 years after the last Gentleman Smuggler was sentenced, they are all out of prison. One of South Carolina's largest drug smuggling bust News, news, seriousness, tension(1077866) - Lyrebirds music. For those who want the full story of this local legend. Finally, having an accessible and secluded place to offload was vital. 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. 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. Politics. Possession of drug paraphernalia charge; $95,000 secure bond; . Youre gonna eventually know someone this has happened to and I think Cody would be very proud of all of us for trying to help stop this problem, said Alsobrooks. Similarly, this is why they chose not to traffic cocaine. 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. Les Riley lives on Seabrook Island. 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. In discussing the issue with Brian Wellesley, Internal Revenue Service criminal investigation chief for North and South Carolina, Henry learned of a novel Net Worth approach successfully used in Southern California to identify probable criminals there by comparing the costs of their homes, cars, boats, and extravagant lifestyles with their likely income. 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. 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! Its much more organized, as seen in this case. 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. These are just the highlights of this incredible, true tale. Bob Jendron retired after a long career as a federal prosecutor, while his former coworker, Bart Daniel, served as U.S. attorney from 1989-1992 and is now a partner in a Charleston law firm. What if someone not affiliated with drugs at all wanted Paul taken out and hired somebody local on the fringes of society? 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. Got a technical question or a glitch to report? New live-action 'Peter Pan' trailer shocks with major character changes, Jane Fonda Suggests She Was Set Up During Fox Interview, The Biden Administration is Just Insane & Should Be Removed At Once. 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. He was really fun to be with. The next big adventure came through importing hashish from faraway locales like Lebanon and Singapore. South Carolina: Man receives million dollar bond after drug bust Wilder still, the two main characters hail from Columbia, South Carolina. 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. Lt. Robert Stewart became Chief of SLED, and Cam Currie became a U.S. District Court judge. NYC Asking People to Give Bikes to Illegal Aliens! Or an issue youd like to address proactively? The investigation was dubbed Las Seoritas because several women among the main targets allegedly fled to Mexico to escape prosecution in the United States. 3 charged after over 20 pounds of methamphetamine seized in Spartanburg Co. Alleged drug traffickers in South Carolina used taco trucks to transport pounds of meth, cocaine and heroin, state prosecutors said Wednesday. 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. Civil wars and ocean chases pound the heart of the thrill-seeker. Or an issue youd like to address proactively? Bigs,' arrived to collect the shipment. Minnesota officer removes jar from raccoon's head. 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. 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. Mark Powellisanaward-winning former TV journalist, government communications veteran, and a political consultant. The payday for smugglers was double that of marijuana. Especially, when it is quite literally close to home. Wild as it seems, the story is true. At last, the High Court ruled that Americas kingpin statute was an extraditable offense in 40 nations of the former British Empire. 2023 Columbia Metropolitan. Some even volunteered to come along, enticed by the idea of cruising the Caribbean and returning on mattresses of marijuana bales. Operation Pentagon : r/MurdaughFamilyMurders - reddit Agents also seized about $1 million in property, including the rented home, the yacht and five vehicles. Taylor Lynnette Glover (Lancaster County Sheriff's Office) Hero Down: Broward Sheriffs Office Sergeant Kevin Forsberg Dies Unexpectedly. About 80 law enforcement officers descended on the home and made the arrests Wednesday without firing a shot, Verinder said. SLED agents began arresting suspects in the case on January 3, 2023 assisted by local law enforcement agencies. We are forever indebted to his brave service and pray that he will Rest In Peace.. Im thinking serious cartel and/ or gang bosses who are higher up. South Carolina's Operation Jackpot broke new ground for civil asset All rights reserved. Also Hampton county had 388 overdoses and 15 deaths in one year that seems really high for a county of 19,000 people. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Reflecting back, Governor McMaster says, It was virtually impossible to catch them in the act. Now it's closing after donors sent school a big message. 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. 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. Dubbed "Operation Pentagon," the investigation targeted the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and crack cocaine that has "plagued" the county, Smalls said. The York County sheriff provided more information Monday on a huge drug bust. York County Sheriff Kevin Tolson gathered with some S.C. lawmakers Monday, including Sen. Lindsey Graham, to talk about the lack of laws to combat fentanyl in the state. Deputies seize more than 90 pounds of marijuana during drug bust at South Carolina home. We decided to figure out who they were and catch them at home. With this new approach. 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. 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. Wilkins said the amount of drugs flowing through upstate South Carolina is at the highest level he's ever seen. He was joined at a news conference in Columbia by S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) chief Mark Keel and other authorities. 4-day drug sweep nets 19 arrests in Hampton County This is the second drug bust along I-95 in Nash County this week. J. 18 Biggest Drug Busts In U.S. History - Yahoo! Detric McGowan Arrested in Alleged South Carolina Drug Bust after Story Went Viral February 27, 2019, 4:19 PM This good Samaritan who went viral for buying $540 worth of Girl Scout cookies was. South Carolina drug bust catches Charleston college drug ring pushing cocaine, Ecstasy and Xanax By Tobias Salinger NEW YORK DAILY NEWS Jun 24, 2016 at 8:06 pm Nine young people arrested as. 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 product was better and fetched a higher price. District of South Carolina | Thirty Horry County Gang Members and Drug British bus driver stops to give loose sheep a lift. Get the news that matters most delivered directly to your inbox. We use cookies to better understand website visitors, for advertising, and to offer you a better experience. A drop in the bucket compared to whats out there, she said. Has anyone heard anything? Others, including Barry and Les, were harder to bring in. Feds indict 40 in SC organized crime case with ties to drugs, murder 2023 Blaze Media LLC. In 1971, they asked Barry and another hotel guest to sail to Jamaica to bring back 400 pounds of marijuana. Those involved are allegedly in a drug ring associated with Mexican cartels, state officials said. What is the talk on the street? Barry flew to Jamaica to meet with suppliers, while Les and three others struggled to sail there in storms, high seas, and high winds. Police from the Lee County sheriff's office, in coordination with South Carolina correctional authorities, made the busts following an eight-month investigation into the rings, which used drones to make late-night deliveries of contraband to the prison. King World Productions Inc. 2023 Inside Edition Inc. and CBS interactive Inc., Paramount companies. 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. Alex Murdaugh gets life in prison in murder of wife, son 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. Arrests resulted in insignificant charges, if any, so the two did not feel they were doing anything really criminal. He is also an author and an avid Civil War enthusiast. For those who want the full story of this local legend, Jackpot is a something-for-everyone kind of tale. Defendant Marcy Dawn Vickers allegedly fled in 2022. Two rules were sacrosanct: no guns and no smuggling cocaine. He was an assistant United States attorney at the time. We have an open microphone policy here at FITSNews! Law enforcement says the people arrested for this crime will face 15 years in prison. His upbringing was typical of the South, with plenty of time spent hunting, fishing, and escorting the occasional debutante. Sergeant Forsberg served 21 years with the Broward Sheriffs Office and was a great asset to the BSOs Homicide Unit. And yes, he has LOTS of hats (including the above-pictured Washington Senators lid). Unbeknownst to his grandmother, Skip charged the smugglers a fee to offload their product there. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); South Carolina's 'Trial of the Century' is over but the 'Murdaugh King Of Five Points Arrested As Part Of Massive Drug Bust In Columbia, South Carolina, Murdaugh Murders: South Carolina Attorney General Must Step In And Remove Rogue Solicitor, Governors Mansion Valet Killed In Car Crash, SCDOT: Internal Audits Show Rash Of Scandals, Alex Murdaugh Sentenced To Life Behind Bars, LIVE FEED Murdaugh Murders Trial: Alex Murdaugh Sentencing Hearing, Murdaugh Murders Trial: Alex Murdaugh Guilty On All Counts. Drug traffickers used a Mexican eatery and taco trucks to transport drugs around South Carolina, state prosecutors said Wednesday. Police in Costa Rica Seize 4.3 Tons of Cocaine, 2nd-Largest Drug Bust in Country's History, Month-Long Operation Ends in Huge California Drug Bust as $1.19 Billion in Marijuana Is Seized, Argentine Cops Bust Drug Ring Allegedly Using Fake World Cup Trophies to Smuggle Drugs, 26 Tons Of Cocaine Seized Offshore In Historic U.S. Drug Smuggling Bust. Many of the smugglers and kingpins evaded arrest for years, resulting in manhunts across the United States and world through the early and mid-1980s, and captures in Antigua, Australia, Miami, New York, and San Diego. 'For the most part, these drugs were not headed for South Carolina,' he said. The task force, in concert with the U.S. Attorneys Office, worked to bring the Gentlemen Smugglers and their associates to justice. Her son, Adam, fell victim to the drug. 9 arrested after drug bust in Greenwood County, deputies say - WHNS "Theres much more volume flowing into our communities. Its the most amazing story going on in law enforcement in the United States today, said Henry at the time. Major drug bust in South Carolina linked to 'violent - TheBlaze Wilson announced. One of President Reagans earliest actions, on recommendation of Sen. Strom Thurmond, was to appoint Henry McMaster as South Carolinas United States attorney. 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. 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. Les bought a home on Hilton Head, as well as other property, and used it for offloading his merchandise. Updated: Oct. 29, 2020 at 4:30 PM PDT. 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". Jury finds Alex Murdaugh guilty on all counts in double murder trial 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. This content is courtesy of, and owned and copyrighted by, https://bluelivesmatter.blue and its author. Georgia. All rights reserved. YORK COUNTY, S.C. (WBTV) - The York County sheriff provided more information Monday on a huge drug bust. Judge Hawkins died in 2005, Dewey Greager in 2017, and Cam Littlejohn in 2018. 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. The agents deserve all the credit, says Bart Daniel of the task force. The post Hero Down: Broward Sheriffs Office Sergeant Kevin Forsberg Dies Unexpectedly appeared first on The Police Tribune. Taco trucks used as part of South Carolina drug trafficking operation Half-ton of cocaine seized aboard yacht docked on resort island Barry Foy followed his prison time with a career in real estate and construction. South Carolina authorities seize enough fentanyl to kill 15 million The thought immediately went through my mind that I wonder if they were responsible for his death, said Roberts. The defendants, mostly from South Carolina, were traced to alleged narcotics operations through a 'paper trail' of bank drafts, passports and other documents. According to investigators, the large drug operation trafficked in more than 1,000 kilograms of methamphetamine, or more than 2,200 pounds. 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. Wilder still, the two main characters hail from Columbia, South Carolina. Pastor shoved out door, knocked flat on his back after protesting library's drag queen event for children. Sergeant Forsberg gave and dedicated everything he had to his family, friends, coworkers, and the community.. The two men were nicknamed "the Gentlemen Smugglers" given their standards and college education. Feds bust major meth trafficking ring in Lexington, 17 arrested - WIS Coast Guard Cmdr. 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. NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. ( WCSC /Gray News) - Authorities in South Carolina say a youth pastor is facing more than a dozen assault charges for inappropriately touching young girls. Id want to see the actual lab result before I believed it. 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. 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. York County, SC. 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. That is apparently the maximum for the possession with intent to distribute fentanyl drug charges. Got a tip or a story idea for Mark? And what about all the rumors you preach as gospel. |, 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. Click this link for the original source of this article. OCDETF plays a key role in the Attorney General's strategy to reduce the availability of illicit narcotics nationwide by identifying, disrupting, and dismantling drug traffickers, money . McClellanvilles creeks were popular, too. When all the Operation Jackpot trials were over, more than 100 smugglers went to jail. We have an open microphone policy here at FITSNews! By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. 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. https://youtube.com/@MurdaughMurders?si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE, https://www.augustachronicle.com/story/news/local/hampton-county-guardian/2021/07/27/two-more-suspects-custody-operation-pentagon-arrest-tally-now-20/5385106001/. Yet our response to the opioid and fentanyl crisis is underwhelming, Tolson said. But, by pooling their collective expertise, they were an extraordinarily effective weapon against drug smuggling. The 53-year-old sergeants exact cause of death was not released. North Carolina. The trucks run by Mexican restaurant Los Primos. U. S. Attorney Ron Parsons announced on Wednesday that 37 people have been federally-indicted as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces' Operation Say Uncle. 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. Firefighters hoist horse stranded in backyard swimming pool. Theres no way theyd have the gumption to kill Maggie and Paul. with 100 defendants facing nearly 500 charges, sending drugs and phones into prison through hollowed out court transcripts, Do not sell or share my personal information. RAPID CITY, S.D. The adventurous will enjoy tales of exotic locales, fugitive escapades, and mountains of drugs and money. This major drug trafficking ring was anything but unbelievable, said Solicitor Walt Wilkins. Ten other defendants are currently in prison. Related: Search warrant leads to seizure of more than 30 kilograms of fentanyl in York County. The five Colombians in custody are Jorge Samuel Cruz, Luis F. Taboada-Garcia, Felipe Janer and Juan Carlos Perez. South Carolina partnered with Georgia and federal authorities to make the drug bust. 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. The Hilton Head Island residents were identified as David A. Childs Jr., 38, and Lynn G. Paul, 40. Feds charge 9 with drug charges after 2-year investigation - Live 5 News The man, now-identified as Detric McGowan, was arrested Tuesday morning in a U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) drug bust, reports CBS South Carolina affiliate WSPA-TV. Published: Oct. 24, 2022 at 3:06 AM PDT | Updated: Oct. 24, 2022 at 6:55 AM PDT YORK COUNTY, S.C. (WBTV) - The York County sheriff provided more information Monday on a huge drug bust. They were executed with premeditation. He lives in the Midlands region of the state with his wife and seven children. Forsbergs death in a Facebook post several days later. He counted playwright Tennessee Williams as a client and musician Jimmy Buffett as a friend. I dont believe there was a drug connection to the Murdaughs but it wouldnt surprise me if LE saw this as an opportunity to round up a bunch of local criminals (of varying levels of serious criminality) and see if anything shook loose in exchange for some leniency.
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