8 Gang Members Arrested on Federal Drug Charges for Trafficking Cocaine in the Midlands

On Thursday, November 7th, federal authorities arrested 8 gang members on federal drug charges for trafficking cocaine and other substances in South Carolina, especially in the Midlands area.

The gang members arrested are believed to be the primary suppliers of cocaine for many local street gangs, according to the press release from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Columbia Office.

“This investigation was designed to disrupt the drug supply network of multiple violent gangs operating in Columbia, and dismantle a major drug trafficking organization from operating in the community,” stated a news release.

“Dismantling violent gangs is a continuing priority for the FBI,” said Special Agent in Charge David Thomas. “We share a long commitment with our law enforcement partners to address the dangerous threat facing our communities today. The charges demonstrate our focus and determination to strike at gangs related enterprises and to eliminate the terror these groups inflict on our neighborhoods.”

The FBI’s Columbia Violent Street Gang Task Force served seven federal search warrants on federal drug charges – two in Northeast Columbia, on the Starlight Neighborhood on S. Beltline Blvd, one near Two Notch Road, one in Eutawville, and one in Orangeburg. The federal drug charges search led to seizure of several firearms and a large sum of money, as well as multiple kilograms of cocaine.

The operation, which has been in the works for months, was designed to disrupt the drug supply network of multiple violent gangs that operate in Columbia.

Defense of Federal Drug Crimes in South Carolina

Federal drug charges are serious and can lead to severe consequences.  Many federal drug charges carry severe mandatory sentences with limited opportunities for probation or parole.

Federal drug investigations and indictments are often combined with other charges including:

• 1001 False Statement Violations,
• money laundering,
• conspiracy, and
• asset forfeiture.

In many Federal drug charges cases, there are several Federal investigators, co-conspirators, undercover informants, wiretap or electronic evidence, as well testimony from co-conspirators who may have cut a deal in exchange for information that led to other arrests, including possibly your own.

Federal drug charges can include:

• Importing controlled substances
• Manufacturing methamphetamine “Meth”, marijuana, or cocaine
• Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute
• Possession with Intent to Distribute large quantities of drugs

In South Carolina, Cocaine Distribution is considered a felony offense with the first conviction carrying a fine of $25,000 and imprisonment of up to 15 years. In South Carolina, if you have been convicted previously of one or more narcotic offenses, you may be considered a second time offender, even if the offense was the same as the one you were previously convicted for. Second time offenders convicted of cocaine distribution may face a fine of $50,000 or imprisonment of no less than five years and no more than 30 years. Third time offenders are those who have been convicted of 2 or narcotic offenses.  A third time offender may be subject of a fine of up to $50,000 and no less than 15 years and no more than 30 years imprisonment.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Federal Drug Charges

Former U.S. Attorney Pete Strom’s experience in dealing with government investigations provides the experience that you need when you are faced with an arrest or investigation on federal drug charges. Given that most drug cases involve a search and seizure, we will analyze all of the evidence to determine how to present the most effective defense possible through our familiarity with the Federal Judicial Process and South Carolina’s criminal law. Contact the Strom Law Firm today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss the facts of your case. 803.252.4800