South Carolina Arrests 80 Including Cartel Members, International Murder Suspect

South Carolina law enforcement, in a coordinated operation involving federal, state, and local agencies, arrested 80 individuals at an unlicensed nightclub in Ladson, including two high-level cartel members from the Los Zetas and Tren de Aragua gangs, an international murder suspect, and multiple undocumented immigrants. The investigation, which started in November 2024 following a noise complaint, uncovered evidence of drug trafficking, money laundering, weapons possession, and human trafficking, with victims now receiving assistance. A missing child was rescued during the raid, and underage patrons, including a 13-year-old, were found inside the club. Governor Henry McMaster condemned the situation as a consequence of previous open border policies and emphasized ongoing efforts to remove such criminal elements from South Carolina. Attorney General Alan Wilson highlighted the state's struggle with drug and human trafficking, stressing the importance of local and federal law enforcement policies. The operation, called "Operation Last Stand," involved more than a dozen agencies and resulted in 116 arrest warrants being served, with further details on charges pending.