A traffic stop in Lexington County has led to the largest fentanyl seizure in South Carolina’s history, federal officials confirmed Wednesday.
Authorities arrested two California brothers after discovering 156 pounds of fentanyl and 44 pounds of methamphetamine hidden inside a tractor-trailer. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, the amount of fentanyl seized was enough to kill more than 36 million people—six times the state’s population.
“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 in a press release. “This should send a strong message to criminals that we are all working together to combat illegal drugs.”
Alberto Rios-Landeros, 26, and Chris Guadalupe Rios-Landeros, 23, both of Delano, California, have been federally indicted on charges of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine.
The bust occurred July 1, during two coordinated traffic stops in Lexington and Richland counties involving DEA agents, Lexington County deputies, and South Carolina State Transport Police. Officials say the narcotics were concealed inside a commercial shipment and likely originated in Mexico before crossing the southern U.S. border.
With two milligrams of fentanyl considered a lethal dose, just one kilogram has the potential to kill half a million people. Authorities estimate the drugs’ total street value at $1.7 million.
Both men now face federal charges that carry a maximum penalty of life in prison.