Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in South Carolina have seized 156 pounds of fentanyl during a criminal investigation. This seizure is believed to be the largest in the state’s history. The operation led to multiple arrests and was announced by Attorney General Pam Bondi and DEA Acting Administrator Robert Murphy.
On July 1, coordinated traffic stops were conducted by DEA agents, Lexington County Sheriff’s deputies, and South Carolina State Transport Police officers in Lexington and Richland counties. Inside a tractor-trailer carrying products for legitimate business purposes, large packages of illegal narcotics were found. Authorities believe these narcotics originated from Mexico.
In total, approximately 156 pounds of fentanyl and 44 pounds of methamphetamine were seized. According to the DEA, two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal; thus one kilogram could potentially kill 500,000 people. The seized fentanyl had the potential to kill 36 million people with an estimated street value of $1.7 million.
Two brothers operating the tractor trailer were arrested after the traffic stop and indicted recently. Alberto Rios-Landeros, aged 26, and Chris Guadalupe Rios-Landeros, aged 23, both from Delano, California, face charges of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. They face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
“This isn’t just a drug bust; it’s a life-saving intervention on an unprecedented scale for our state,” stated U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “Law enforcement has been working together at every level to keep South Carolina safe.”
Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division said: “The DEA and our partners are working hard day in and day out to protect our communities from the dangers associated with fentanyl.”
Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon remarked: “This was a great example of how law enforcement works together to make our community safer.”
This investigation is part of Operation Take Back America which utilizes resources from various federal initiatives aimed at eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities.
The case was investigated by several agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration and Lexington County Sheriff’s Department among others. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike O’Mara is prosecuting this case.
All charges are accusations at this stage; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
