South CarolinaFollowing what authorities claim was the largest fentanyl seizure in South Carolina history, including enough drugs to potentially kill tens of millions of people, federal and local law enforcement agencies have indicted two men.
During two car stops in Lexington and Richland counties on July 1, DEA agents, Lexington County Sheriff’s deputies, and State Transport Police conducted a coordinated operation that resulted in the recovery of roughly 156 pounds of fentanyl and 44 pounds of methamphetamine.
Authorities discovered that the illegal drugs were concealed behind a tractor trailer that was transporting what at first glance seemed to be genuine business goods. According to officials, the drugs were smuggled into the United States over the southern border from Mexico.
Fentanyl s Deadly Reach: Enough to Kill 36 Million People
The Drug Enforcement Administration claims that a deadly dose of fentanyl may be obtained from just two milligrams. Accordingly, the pills that were recovered, which had a street value of $1.7 million, might have killed 36 million people.
U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling emphasized the multi-agency coordination that made the success possible, saying, “This isn’t just a drug bust; it’s a life-saving intervention on an unprecedented scale for our state.”
Suspects Identified and Indicted
Two guys from Delanos, California, Alberto Rios-Landeros, 26, and Chris Guadalupe Rios-Landeros, 23, were detained and charged with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Both men could receive a minimum sentence of life in prison if found guilty.
Law Enforcement Officials Speak Out
“The arrest sends a strong message to drug traffickers,” said Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon, “and this was a great example of how law enforcement works together to make our community safer.”
Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, Jae W. Chung, highlighted the agency’s overarching goal: saving American lives and maintaining community safety are DEA’s top priority.
The operation was a component of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide effort by the Department of Justice, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs), and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) to dismantle criminal organizations and drug cartels.
Multi-Agency Collaboration at Work
A group of agencies collaborated on the investigation, including:
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Drug Enforcement Administration
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Lexington County Sheriff s Department
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Homeland Security Investigations
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South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
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State Transport Police
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Kershaw County and Richland County Sheriff s Offices
At this time, the prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike O. Marais.
Officials remind the public that all charges are accusations and that the accused is assumed innocent until proven guilty as the matter progresses in court.
Have a Tip About Drug Activity?
Anyone with information regarding fentanyl trafficking or related activity is urged by law enforcement to get in touch with local or federal drug enforcement organizations. Involving the community is still essential to breaking up harmful drug networks.
