23 Indicted In Upstate Drug Sweep
Investigation Produces 63 Charges, Massive Drug Seizure

POSTED: 12:19 pm EDT September 17, 2007

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- The state attorney general's office announced Monday the indictments of 23 people arrested during a drug sweep from Aug. 28 to Sept. 4.

Investigators conducted surprise raids at multiple locations in which they said that they busted a complex drug ring made up of high-level drug dealers and their associates, many of whom are illegal aliens.

Attorney General Henry Mc Master said, "This is a significant meth bust, but it is only a single battle in an ongoing war against this dangerous drug. This bust represents a tremendous effort between numerous law enforcement agencies, but also the value of citizen tips -- if you see something, say something."

The investigation, begun in 2006, involved the Anderson, Clemson, Easley, Greenville, Greenwood and Pickens county sheriff's offices, and three state agencies, including the State Law Enforcement Division.

Investigators said that while cocaine and marijuana featured prominently in the arrests, the most dangerous drug seized was meth "ice," a form of methamphetamine that is often produced in foreign countries, such as Mexico, and smuggled to the United States to be resold at enormous profit.

The indictments cover 63 charges against 23 defendants. Five of those indicted are considered fugitives: David Hurtado Calderon, Nicholas Lopez, Lino Maldonado, Vincent Perez, and a man known only by the nickname "Poppy."

Investigators seized more than six pounds of meth ice, eleven pounds of cocaine, 433 pounds of marijuana, $83,000 in cash, six vehicles and one jet ski.

If convicted, besides lengthy prison sentences, the group faces a total of as much as $3,917,000 in fines.

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