Florida Men Convicted for Major Drug Trafficking in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA - In a significant turn of events, two Florida men, Vincent Ellis Wilson (54) and Ervin Lee Smith (50), have been convicted of serious drug charges in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The outcome followed a two-day trial held in Florence, where both men were found guilty of conspiring to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine and some crack cocaine. The case sheds light on the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the region, highlighting the hard work of law enforcement agencies.

Wilson and Smith checked into an oceanfront hotel in Myrtle Beach back on February 25, 2021, under the pretense of having car trouble and “just passing through.” However, they had ulterior motives as they arranged to sell more than half a kilogram of cocaine and crack cocaine to a local contact. Their plans were thwarted the next morning when hotel staff discovered a grocery bag containing over $30,000 worth of drugs in their room during a routine cleaning. Prompted by this find, the Myrtle Beach Police were called, leading to the retrieval of the significant drug haul.

Fighting Back Against Drug Operations

The case against Wilson and Smith is not isolated. According to myrtlebeachsc.com, U.S. Attorney Peter McCoy recently announced that 30 drug traffickers from Horry County and Myrtle Beach had also been sentenced in federal court as part of an expansive anti-drug operation. Dubbed „Operation Broken Branch,“ this initiative involved over 200 law enforcement officers and targeted entrenched drug trafficking organizations in the area.

The Cedar Branch drug trafficking organization, at the core of these operations, didn’t just deal with cocaine; it had links to heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and even firearms. Based in Cedar Branch, Horry County, this organization was known for its connections to the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) from Mexico. Such operations have aimed to combat the plague of overdoses and violent crimes in Myrtle Beach.

More Arrests and Ongoing Investigations

Meanwhile, a multi-agency effort revealed the extent of gang involvement in narcotics around Myrtle Beach, as reported by wmbfnews.com. Over the course of nearly a year, a collaborative investigation led to federal charges against more than a dozen individuals linked to gangs like the Rollin’ 90s Crips and the G-Shine Bloods. Law enforcement officials, including the Myrtle Beach Police Department and the FBI, have focused on disrupting the illegal activities that undermine community safety.

The operation culminated in 14 arrests for various charges, including distribution of fentanyl, cocaine, and unlawful possession of firearms. The suspects, who have pleaded not guilty, range widely in age and criminal affiliation, highlighting the pervasive nature of the issue. Notables among those arrested include Cedric Lamar Brown, charged with conspiracy to distribute multiple narcotics, and Tyrone Louis Harts, Jr., facing serious allegations including possession with intent to distribute.

Community Safety and Future Actions

As these investigations continue to pay off, local law enforcement officials are expressing optimism. The United States Department of Justice’s U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling underscored the importance of these cases, stating that the convictions represent a step toward dismantling larger drug operations that plague the Myrtle Beach area. His sentiment echoes the broader community’s desire for a safer environment, free from the grip of drug trafficking and violence.

With a coordinated effort from various agencies and a crackdown on these networks, Myrtle Beach residents can hope for a future less influenced by narcotics and their associated crimes.