Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies have seized 156 pounds of fentanyl in South Carolina, marking the largest seizure of this drug 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, DEA agents collaborated with Lexington County Sheriff’s deputies and South Carolina State Transport Police officers to conduct two traffic stops in Lexington and Richland counties. They discovered large packages of illegal narcotics inside a tractor trailer transporting products for a legitimate business purpose. Investigators suspect that the narcotics originated from Mexico and were transported across the southern border.
The seizure included approximately 156 pounds of fentanyl and 44 pounds of methamphetamine. According to the DEA, just two milligrams of fentanyl is considered lethal; thus, one kilogram can potentially kill 500,000 people. The seized fentanyl could have killed 36 million people and had a street value of $1.7 million.
Following the traffic stop, brothers Alberto Rios-Landeros, 26, and Chris Guadalupe Rios-Landeros, 23, both from Delano, California, were arrested and indicted on charges of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. They face up to life in prison if convicted.
“This isn't just a drug bust; it's a life-saving intervention on an unprecedented scale for our state,” said 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.”
“The DEA and our partners are working hard day in and day out to protect our communities from the dangers associated with fentanyl,” stated Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division.
Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon expressed pride in the collaboration among agencies: “This should send a strong message to criminals that we are all working together to combat illegal drugs.”
The investigation is part of Operation Take Back America which involves resources from various Department of Justice initiatives aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling criminal organizations.
The case was investigated by several agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration and Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike O’Mara is prosecuting the case.
It is important to note that all charges are accusations until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
