COLUMBIA, S.C. — A multi-agency drug investigation in Lexington and Richland counties led to multiple arrests and enough fentanyl to kill millions of people, the FBI announced earlier in the week.
According to Special Agent in Charge Steve Jensen with the FBI's Columbia field office, agencies at the local, state and federal levels were involved in the extensive drug conspiracy investigation, which focused on the heart of the Midlands and spanned multiple years. The FBI said the investigation targeted drug distribution in Columbia and surrounding areas in Richland and Lexington counties.
Among the highlights of the investigation was the seizure of five kilograms, or about 11 pounds, of fentanyl. In Jensen's announcement, Agent Jensen said this was enough to potentially kill 2.5 million people. He said investigators also recovered 500 grams (1.1 pounds) of methamphetamine, 800 grams (1.7 pounds) of cocaine, and $100,000 in cash authorities believed were the proceeds of the drug operation.
The announcement didn't say how many people were arrested or provide names or charges associated with those arrests but specifically thanked the Lexington County Sheriff's Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and other agencies for their help in the case.
