Myrtle Beach Drug Traffickers Sentenced to Prison for Fentanyl Conspiracy

Myrtle Beach Men Sentenced for Trafficking Fentanyl

In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking in South Carolina, five men from the Grand Strand and Pee Dee area have been handed hefty federal prison sentences after pleading guilty to a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy. The U.S. District Attorney for South Carolina announced these rulings, shedding light on a serious issue that affects many communities.

A Close Look at the Sentences

The ringleader of this operation, Joshua Rodriguez, 33, from Myrtle Beach, received a lengthy sentence of 151 months—that’s nearly 12.5 years in prison. Following him, Derrick Adrien Hooks, 27, from Chesterfield, got 8 years, while Christopher Brown, 32, from Pawleys Island, will spend 7 years behind bars. Each of these individuals was implicated in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that has become increasingly prevalent in drug-related fatalities.

Details of the Conspiracy

The trio was found to have trafficked pressed pills containing fentanyl throughout the Horry County area between 2018 and 2023. According to the U.S. District Attorney’s office, Rodriguez was not just a participant; he was a high-level distributor who managed to distribute a staggering 14 kilograms of fentanyl during the conspiracy. It is alarming to note that he often carried firearms and posed threats of violence, further highlighting the risks associated with drug trafficking.

As law enforcement was following Hooks on July 1, 2021, he got panicky and attempted to ditch evidence by tossing pills and marijuana out of his car window as he sped away. His escapade ended with officers executing a search warrant at a home in Little River, where they uncovered 3.5 kilograms of pills, marijuana, and a loaded firearm, all while seizing more than $10,000 in cash! It is clear that employees of the law face numerous challenges as they combat these types of reckless behaviors.

In comparison, Brown was categorized as a lower-level distributor and, over about five years, distributed approximately 2.7 kilograms of fentanyl. His run-ins with law enforcement are also noted, with one chase reaching speeds of 91 miles per hour. Talk about living life on the edge!

Two Other Men Caught with Weapons

Additionally, two other men from Myrtle Beach received sentences for possessing firearms illegally. Jonathan Thien Ta, 32, was sentenced to just over four years, while Neil Alexander Torres, also 32, received a sentence of 18 months. The details reveal a dramatic scene from November 26, 2020, when officers arrived at a restaurant to arrest Ta. The situation escalated when Ta tried to flee, pulling out a loaded 9mm handgun which he passed to Torres before making an attempt to escape. Both were convicted felons and were prohibited from possessing firearms.

Community Impact and Conclusion

This case, investigated by multiple agencies, including the FBI, highlights the serious consequences of drug trafficking in the community. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Flynn took the lead in prosecuting the case, emphasizing that such actions will not be tolerated in South Carolina.

As the dust settles on this case, it serves as a crucial reminder of the fight against the opioid epidemic that many are facing. Law enforcement agencies remain vigilant in their efforts to ensure the safety of our communities. It’s a tough battle, but with these sentences, there is hope for a reduction in fentanyl trafficking in the area and a clearer message that crime does not pay.