Local, state and federal authorities in South Carolina recently conducted a large drug sting that led to the arrest of over 20 people. The operation, which was one of the largest in Horry County in the last 10 years, was announced on Dec. 13.
According to federal prosecutors, 125 agents arrested 24 people believed to be associated with the “G-Shine” gang, formerly known as the “Gangster Killer Bloods.” Three other alleged gang members are still at large. Based in Long, the gang is part of the Bloods network that emerged two decades ago when members of the United Blood Nation migrated to the East Coast and set up affiliate gangs. In early 2017, law enforcement agents began looking into the gang after learning of an alleged large-scale drug trafficking ring operating out of Horry County and Myrtle Beach. They reportedly discovered that gang members were involved in trafficking heroin, cocaine and fentanyl. The gang also allegedly participated in a series of shootings in and around Myrtle Beach.
Most of the defendants are residents of Myrtle Beach, Long and Loris and were transported to the Florence County Jail and Detention Center in Effingham for processing. They are facing various drug charges, including distribution of heroin, conspiracy to distribute drugs and possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute. The law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation included the Horry County Police Department, the Horry County Sheriff’s Office, the 15th Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Federal drug charges can lead to serious consequences for those who are convicted. A criminal defense attorney may be able to review the case, protect a defendant’s rights and work to get the charges reduced or dismissed.
Source: Myrtle Beach Online, “24 arrested in large-scale drug trafficking operation in Myrtle Beach and Horry County,” Hannah Strong, Dec. 13, 2018
