Record Fentanyl Seizure in South Carolina Leads to Multiple Arrests

Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies have announced what is believed to be the largest seizure of fentanyl in South Carolina history, confiscating 156 pounds of the deadly synthetic opioid during a major criminal investigation. The operation also resulted in multiple arrests.

The significant seizure 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. During these stops, law enforcement discovered large packages of illegal narcotics concealed within a tractor-trailer that was ostensibly transporting legitimate business products. Investigators believe the seized drugs originated in Mexico and were transported across the southern border.

In total, law enforcement seized approximately 156 pounds (71 kilograms) of fentanyl and 44 pounds (20 kilograms) of methamphetamine. The DEA estimates that just two milligrams of fentanyl can be a lethal dose, meaning one kilogram has the potential to kill 500,000 people. The 156 pounds of fentanyl seized in this operation had the potential to cause 36 million fatalities and carried an estimated street retail value of $1.7 million.

Two brothers, Alberto Rios-Landeros, 26, and Chris Guadalupe Rios-Landeros, 23, both from Delano, California, who were operating the tractor-trailer, were arrested following the traffic stops and subsequently indicted. They face charges of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, each carrying a maximum penalty of up to life in prison.

This investigation falls under Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protecting communities from violent crime. The operation leverages resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The case was investigated through a collaborative effort involving the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, 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.