Federal prosecutors announced Tuesday that a Mexico‑based drug trafficking and money‑laundering organization has been dismantled after operating in South Carolina for more than a decade. The multi‑state Homeland Security Task Force investigation, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, resulted in 36 defendants facing charges.
Scope of the operation
The indictment alleges that the group supplied hundreds of kilograms of fentanyl and cocaine to South Carolina residents since at least 2021. The narcotics originated in Mexico and crossed the southern border, according to the U.S. Justice Department. Investigators also recovered 23 kilograms of methamphetamine, 70 kilograms of cocaine, 34 pounds of marijuana, 43 firearms and more than $2.8 million in cash.
Luxury assets seized
In addition to the drugs and cash, the DEA seized jewelry and 15 luxury vehicles traced to drug money, including two Rolls‑Royces, a Lamborghini and an Aston Martin. Federal authorities filed notices of lawsuits against 17 properties in South Carolina and Georgia valued at nearly $4 million.
Legal proceedings
An April 2026 indictment charged 18 members of the organization. A 42‑count superseding indictment unsealed in November added 16 more defendants, and two additional individuals were charged in a separate July 2025 indictment. Six defendants have already pleaded guilty.
Official statements
South Carolina Attorney General Todd Blanche praised the task force’s work, saying, “Thanks to the work of the Homeland Security Task Force, the people of South Carolina are safer today than they were two years ago.” U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling added that the investigation “has an impact on every region of our state, and beyond,” and pledged continued effort to stop the flow of deadly narcotics from across the southern border.
Acting DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Connolly emphasized that law‑enforcement will not stop at the first arrest, promising to keep following the evidence and holding all involved parties accountable.
Joint effort
The case was a collaborative effort involving the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI’s Columbia Field Office, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and more than 20 state and local agencies across South Carolina and North Carolina.
The investigation is part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative created under Executive Order 14159, which authorizes coordinated federal, state and local action against transnational criminal enterprises.
Presumption of innocence
While the indictment outlines serious allegations, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Original reporting: MyrtleBeachSC News — read the source article.
