Crime & Safety
South Carolina Drug Bust Oct. 21: 25 Indicted, 129 Charges
Chester, SC – A major drug trafficking investigation spanning Chester and Lancaster counties has resulted in 25 people being indicted on 129 criminal counts, with authorities reporting the seizure of
By Lauren Beckett · 2026-10-21T20:22:30.923Z
Chester, SC – A major drug trafficking investigation spanning Chester and Lancaster counties has resulted in 25 people being indicted on 129 criminal counts, with authorities reporting the seizure of substantial quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and firearms.
According to South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, the State Grand Jury announced the indictments Wednesday, Oct. 21, following a multi jurisdictional investigation into an alleged narcotics trafficking organization operating primarily in Chester and Lancaster counties.
Millions of Dollars in Drugs Targeted
Investigators allege the organization distributed significant quantities of illegal narcotics throughout the Midlands, including methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl and marijuana.
Authorities reported previously seizing approximately 2.62 pounds of fentanyl, 6.88 pounds of methamphetamine, 1.21 pounds of cocaine, 4.5 ounces of crack cocaine, 2.5 pounds of marijuana and more than 30 firearms .
Investigators also seized 47 dogs, some of which may require euthanasia despite efforts to save them.
During Tuesday's roundup, authorities recovered more than 10,000 pressed fentanyl pills, additional suspected fentanyl, firearms and other evidence.
25 Defendants Face 129 Charges
The indictments include allegations of drug trafficking, firearm offenses and dogfighting.
Five defendants are currently inmates with the South Carolina Department of Corrections.
The investigation involved the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Chester and Lancaster county sheriff 's offices, Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI.
Officials said the operation followed approximately 18 months of investigative work involving local, state and federal agencies.
Bond hearings for defendants not yet heard are scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 22, before Judge Heath Taylor at the Richland County Courthouse.
Authorities emphasized that the charges remain allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials review additional evidence.