36 INDICTED IN MULTI-STATE DRUG TRAFFICKING AND MONEY LAUNDERING INVESTIGATION AS DEA SEIZES 346 KILOGRAMS OF FENTANYL AND MILLIONS IN ASSETS

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Federal authorities announced on November 10, 2026, that 36 individuals have been charged in a multi-state drug trafficking and money laundering investigation targeting an international criminal organization operating between Mexico and the United States. The investigation, conducted under the Homeland Security Task Force initiative, resulted in the seizure of hundreds of kilograms of illegal narcotics, 43 firearms, more than $2.8 million, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and assets connected to properties in South Carolina and Georgia. Nine of the 36 defendants were identified by the Department of Justice as individuals unlawfully present in the United States.

According to the Justice Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized 346 kilograms of fentanyl, 70 kilograms of cocaine, 23 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 34 pounds of marijuana during the investigation. Federal agents also recovered 43 firearms and confiscated property believed to have been purchased with proceeds from illegal drug distribution. The seized assets included 15 luxury vehicles, among them two Rolls-Royce vehicles, a Lamborghini, and an Aston Martin. Investigators also secured notices of pending legal action involving 17 properties in South Carolina and Georgia with a combined estimated value approaching $4 million.

The federal prosecution developed through three separate indictments. Two individuals were initially charged in July 2025, followed by an April 2026 indictment naming 18 alleged participants in the organization. A 42-count superseding indictment unsealed in November 2026 added another 16 defendants, bringing the total to 36. Six defendants have already pleaded guilty, while the remaining charges must be resolved through further court proceedings.

Federal investigators identified a Mexico-based drug trafficking and money laundering organization that had allegedly maintained operations in South Carolina since at least 2011. According to the investigation, members of the network operated across international borders, several American states, and correctional institutions, including facilities within the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the South Carolina Department of Corrections. The organization’s activities involved the transportation, distribution, and financial processing of proceeds generated through illegal narcotics sales.

Investigators determined that the network had supplied hundreds of kilograms of fentanyl and cocaine to South Carolina since at least 2021. The drugs originated in Mexico and were transported across the southern border before entering distribution channels within the United States. Federal authorities identified an extensive fentanyl distribution operation spanning South Carolina’s Lowcountry, Pee Dee, Grand Strand, and Midlands regions, where participants processed, repackaged, and redistributed large shipments to other individuals involved in the trafficking network.

Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the enforcement action as part of the Justice Department’s efforts to disrupt major drug trafficking operations. U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina emphasized the investigation’s reach across multiple regions and the coordination required among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Connolly of the DEA Atlanta Field Division also stated that investigators would continue examining the network and identifying additional individuals involved in the illegal distribution of narcotics.

The case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established under Executive Order 14159. The initiative coordinates investigative resources to target transnational criminal organizations, drug trafficking operations, money laundering networks, and other criminal enterprises operating across national and international jurisdictions. Its involvement in this investigation reflects the cross-border structure of the organization and the participation of multiple law enforcement agencies.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI Columbia Field Office, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the South Carolina Department of Corrections, and the State Transport Police. Additional assistance came from numerous local agencies, including sheriff’s offices and police departments serving Aiken, Barnwell, Charleston, Chesterfield, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Kershaw, Lancaster, Lexington, Orangeburg, and Richland counties, along with law enforcement partners in North Carolina.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mike O’Mara and Cole Shannon for the District of South Carolina are prosecuting the federal case. Their proceedings involve the allegations contained in the indictments and the established guilty pleas entered by six defendants. The Justice Department has not disclosed the identities of all defendants or their individual charges in its November 10 announcement.

The investigation has exposed what federal authorities describe as a long-running international narcotics network with distribution operations reaching across South Carolina and connections extending into correctional institutions.

All defendants who have not entered guilty pleas or been convicted are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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