Federal and state law enforcement agencies arrested 114 people and seized large quantities of cocaine and cash during two highway enforcement operations targeting immigration violations, commercial vehicle offenses, and criminal activity across South Carolina.
A multi-agency enforcement initiative conducted along major South Carolina highways resulted in more than 100 arrests and the seizure of illegal drugs and cash, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The operations, dubbed Operation Safe Drive and Operation Rubber Duck, were carried out from May 12 through May 14 and focused on commercial vehicle enforcement, roadway safety, immigration violations, and criminal investigations.
Authorities said the operations took place primarily along Interstate 26 and Interstate 85.
Operation Safe Drive Focused on Highway Safety
Operation Safe Drive was led by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in partnership with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, State Transport Police, Duncan Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.
Officials said the operation targeted unsafe drivers, immigration violations, and criminal activity along Interstate 26.
Investigators reported multiple administrative and criminal arrests during the operation, along with the seizure of cocaine and cash.
“By working together, we are able to protect South Carolina families from the threats posed by criminal activity and unsafe drivers,” said ERO Atlanta Field Office Director LaDeon Francis.
Commercial Driver Enforcement Targeted Fraud
A second initiative, Operation Rubber Duck, focused on commercial trucking enforcement along Interstate 85 near Greer.
The operation was led by Homeland Security Investigations and targeted fraudulent commercial driver’s licenses, improperly licensed operators, and trucking-related violations.
Federal agents worked alongside state and local law enforcement agencies to conduct inspections and investigate potential criminal violations involving commercial vehicles.
“Operation Rubber Duck underscores that Homeland Security Investigations and our partners will aggressively pursue, disrupt and dismantle criminal networks that threaten our communities,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Mark M. Zito.
Cocaine, Cash Seized During Operations
According to authorities, the combined results of the two operations included:
- 114 criminal and administrative arrests
- 10 kilograms of cocaine seized
- An estimated street value of approximately $200,000 for the seized narcotics
- 145 vehicle stops
- 77 commercial vehicle inspections
- 89 traffic and safety citations
- 22 drivers and vehicles removed from service
Officials did not immediately release the identities of those arrested or provide a breakdown of specific criminal charges.
Agencies Highlight Joint Enforcement Effort
Federal officials said the operations were designed to improve public safety by removing unsafe drivers, enforcing immigration laws, and identifying criminal activity occurring along major transportation corridors.
The enforcement effort involved ICE, Homeland Security Investigations, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, South Carolina State Transport Police, Duncan Police Department, and other local agencies.
Investigations connected to the arrests and drug seizures remain ongoing.
Key Points
• Two South Carolina highway enforcement operations resulted in 114 arrests over a three-day period.
• Authorities seized 10 kilograms of cocaine valued at approximately $200,000.
• The operations included 145 vehicle stops, 77 inspections, and the removal of 22 drivers and vehicles from service.