Enough fentanyl to kill 36 million people found in South Carolina, DOJ says
enough fentanyl to potentially kill 36 million people found in south carolina, doj says
Enough fentanyl to kill 36 million people was found in South Carolina in what authorities say is believed to be the largest seizure of fentanyl in state history.
enough fentanyl to potentially kill 36 million people found in south carolina, doj says
The United States Department of Justice said 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.
Sign up for our NewslettersInside a tractor trailer that was transporting products with a legitimate business purpose, law enforcement said they also found large packages of illegal narcotics.
Investigators said they 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.
enough fentanyl to potentially kill 36 million people found in south carolina, doj says
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 Tuesday.
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.”
enough fentanyl to potentially kill 36 million people found in south carolina, doj says
“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.”
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