South Carolina fentanyl ring leads to 44 new arrests

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A major drug investigation into fentanyl trafficking in South Carolina continues to grow—as state officials today revealed 44 more arrests have been made in an alleged fentanyl trafficking ring, bringing the total to 108.

People across five counties face drug trafficking charges in ring

The investigation, known as “Devil in Disguise,” has now resulted in ten grand jury indictments across five counties. In total, 108 people are facing more than 380 criminal charges tied to drug trafficking, weapons violations, and money laundering.

Law enforcement agencies say the case focuses on large-scale trafficking of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, 1 kilogram of fentanyl can kill up to 500,000 people.

Investigators have seized more than 44 kilograms of cocaine, 4 kilograms of fentanyl, 10 kilograms of meth, over $1 million in cash, and multiple firearms—including assault rifles.

Attorney General Alan Wilson says much of the drug supply was smuggled across state lines in South Carolina. Fentanyl was often mixed into other illegal drugs like heroin and meth, dramatically increasing the risk of deadly overdoses, authorities say.

Since 2020, investigators believe the network has trafficked more than 540 kilograms of fentanyl—enough to kill millions. 

Around a dozen faced a judge for a bond hearing Monday at Richland County Judicial Center. Some are accused of using their homes to stash drugs or distributing fentanyl. One is accused continuing to traffic drugs behind bars.

“Cartels would coordinate with members of their organization, especially in prisons in here in South Carolina, to have large loads of fentanyl smuggled into the US and then have other members of the organ organization transport those drugs here in South Carolina, the fentanyl is being used to adulterate or basically increase the supply of cocaine, methamphetamine and other illegal drugs,” said Wilson.

Another suspect is accused of distributing fentanyl linked to a fatal overdose.

Bill to create harsher penalties awaits Governor’s signature

As the investigation continues, South Carolina lawmakers have taken steps to strengthen the penalties for those whose drugs lead to deadly outcomes. Earlier this month, the General Assembly passed a bill that would create a new state offense: fentanyl-induced homicide. The bill would allow prosecutors to seek up to 30 years in prison for individuals convicted of providing fentanyl that causes a person’s death.

The bill is now awaiting the governor’s signature. The Attorney General says he believes this will be a useful tool in prosecuting those cases.

“If you’re throwing out hot dope and it kills people, we are going to bring very serious charges against you,” said Creighton Waters, who leads the state’s Grand Jury prosecutions under the Attorney General’s Office.

According to the AG’s office, prior to this investigation, a handful were already charged with murder in connection to fatal fentanyl overdoses in South Carolina.

The probe began in Greenville County, where fentanyl was linked to the majority of the 278 overdose deaths recorded in 2022.