Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies seized 156 pounds of fentanyl during a criminal investigation, which is believed to be the largest seizure of fentanyl in state history. The seizure resulted in multiple arrests and was first announced by Attorney General Pam Bondi and Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Administrator Robert Murphy.

On July 1, DEA agents, Lexington County Sheriff’s deputies, and South Carolina State Transport Police officers conducted two coordinated traffic stops in Lexington and Richland counties. Inside a tractor trailer that was transporting products with a legitimate business purpose, law enforcement also found large packages of illegal narcotics. Investigators believe the seized narcotics were sourced in Mexico and transported across the southern border.

Law enforcement seized approximately 156 pounds (71 kilograms) of fentanyl and 44 pounds (20 kilograms) of methamphetamine in total. According to the DEA, two milligrams of fentanyl is considered a lethal dose; therefore, one kilogram of fentanyl can kill 500,000 people. The seized fentanyl had the potential to kill 36 million people and a street retail value of $1.7 million.

Two brothers operating the tractor trailer were arrested following the traffic stop and indicted yesterday. Alberto Rios-Landeros, 26, and Chris Guadalupe Rios-Landeros, 23, both of Delano, California, have been indicted on charges of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Both face a maximum penalty of up to life in prison.

“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, and we’re committed to dismantling the criminal networks that bring this poison into our communities.”

“The DEA and our partners are working hard day in and day out to protect our communities from the dangers associated with fentanyl.  DEA’s priorities are to save American lives and to keep our communities safe,” said Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division.  “We will continue to leverage every partnership, and every resource available to ensure drug traffickers who distribute fentanyl, are brought to justice.”

“This was a great example of how law enforcement works together to make our community safer. I am proud of the work and collaboration of all the agencies involved to take this massive amount of drugs off of our streets,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said. “This should send a strong message to criminals that we are all working together to combat illegal drugs.”

This investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the State Transport Police, the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike O’Mara is prosecuting the case. 

All charges in an indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.