The Department of Justice announced on November 10, 2026, that federal investigators have arrested 36 individuals in South Carolina for their roles in a major drug trafficking and money laundering operation. The arrests were the result of an investigation conducted by the Homeland Security Task Force, a specialized unit established to combat transnational criminal organizations. Among the 36 suspects, nine were identified as being in the United States without legal status.
The operation uncovered a significant stockpile of narcotics and weapons. Agents seized 346 kilograms of fentanyl, 23 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 70 kilograms of cocaine. In addition to the major narcotics, investigators confiscated 34 pounds of marijuana and 43 firearms. The Department of Justice stated that the drugs originated in Mexico and were trafficked across the southern border before reaching South Carolina.
Financial assets were also a primary target of the investigation. Authorities recovered $2.8 million in cash and jewelry. The seizure included 15 luxury vehicles, which notably featured two Rolls Royces, a Lamborghini, and an Aston Martin. Investigators also took control of 17 properties, which the Department of Justice valued at approximately $4 million. These assets are expected to be used to fund ongoing efforts to dismantle similar criminal networks.
Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized the administration's dedication to protecting citizens from lethal substances. In a statement to Fox News Digital, Blanche noted that the task force's work has made South Carolina safer than it was two years prior. He affirmed that the Department of Justice would continue to dismantle trafficking networks and deliver justice to victims and their families. Blanche stated that nothing would stop the commitment to shielding the American people from dangerous drugs.
The investigation revealed that the criminal organization had been active since at least 2011. A notable finding was that members of the ring had infiltrated the state's prison system. The Department of Justice explained that the Mexico-based group operated in South Carolina, other states, and within Mexico. Their influence extended into the Bureau of Prisons and the South Carolina Department of Corrections, allowing them to maintain control over their operations even while incarcerated.
The Homeland Security Task Force was created under Executive Order 14159, which is titled "Protecting the American People Against Invasion." The order describes the task force as a whole-of-government partnership. Its mission is to eliminate criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling rings operating both within the United States and abroad. This specific case highlights the task force's focus on coordinating multiple agencies to target complex criminal structures.
Michael J. Connolly, the acting special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Atlanta Field Division, commented on the significance of the indictment. He stated that the action sends a clear message that law enforcement will pursue those responsible for distributing dangerous drugs. Connolly highlighted the coordinated efforts of federal, state, and local partners. He added that the investigation would not stop at the first round of arrests, with agents continuing to follow the evidence to identify and hold all involved parties accountable.
A total of 29 law enforcement agencies participated in this investigation. The collaborative effort included federal bodies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations. State investigators from South Carolina also played a key role. Additionally, police departments from both North and South Carolina contributed resources and personnel to the operation, demonstrating a multi-jurisdictional approach to solving the case.
The announcement marks a significant development in the ongoing federal effort to combat drug trafficking in the southeastern United States. By linking the arrests to a broader money laundering scheme, authorities aim to strip the organization of its financial resources. The case underscores the complex nature of modern drug rings, which often utilize legal and illegal immigration statuses to expand their reach across state lines and into correctional facilities.
