UPSTATE — A two-and-a-half year-long drug investigation resulted in eight arrests by federal agencies and the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, with some of the suspects hailing from Pickens County.
At a press conference held Thursday, Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw said a cocaine drug ring was busted that had been responsible for trafficking approximately 61 kilos of the drug into communities in Oconee, Greenville, Anderson and Pickens Counties.
Crenshaw said 61 kilos of cocaine is estimated to be valued at nearly $6.1 million.
A ninth suspect, Trenton Michael Thomas, of Seneca, has warrants issued stemming from the bust, but as of the writing of this article, had yet to be taken into custody.
Officials said it all began in January of 2017 when an investigation was started after they received an initial complaint about the sale of cocaine in the area. The investigation expanded with the help of the Seneca Police.
The name of the operation “The Promoter” comes from the fact some of the defendants were working as promoters in the music industry, officials said.
From Pickens County, deputies arrested Quantavious Hivar Keels, of Easley, who is charged with conspiracy to traffic cocaine greater than 400 grams, three charges of trafficking cocaine 10-28 grams, trafficking cocaine 28-100 grams and distribution of marijuana; Jordan Thomson, of Clemson, who is charged with conspiracy to traffic cocaine greater than 400 grams, distribution of cocaine, distribution of marijuana, two charges of trafficking cocaine 10-28 grams, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of cocaine, possession of a stolen pistol, trafficking marijuana greater than 10 pounds, possession of a weapon during a violent crime and possession with intent to distribute of methamphetamine; and Andrew Rafael Ruiz, of Six Mile, who is charged with conspiracy to traffic cocaine greater than 400 grams, distribution of cocaine, distribution of marijuana, trafficking cocaine 10-28 grams, possession of a schedule 2 substance and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
Also arrested was Justin Dimon Alexander, of Seneca, who is charged with conspiracy to traffic cocaine greater than 400 grams, five charges of distribution of crack cocaine, possession of crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and unlawful carry of a firearm.
Eugene Malik Boyd, of Piedmont, and Mussie Gersus Haile of Atlanta, Ga., are both facing charges of conspiracy to traffic cocaine greater than 400 grams and two charges of trafficking cocaine greater than 400 grams.
James Sebastian Hunter, of Seneca, is charged with conspiracy to traffic cocaine greater than 400 grams and three charges of distribution of cocaine; and Undre Bias Randolph, also of Seneca, is charged with conspiracy to traffic cocaine greater than 400 grams and three charges of distribution of crack cocaine.
The ninth suspect, Trenton Michael Thomas from Seneca, is still wanted by law enforcement as of the writing of this article. He is charged with conspiracy to traffic cocaine greater than 400 grams, five charges of distribution of crack cocaine and distribution of marijuana.
Crenshaw and the OCSO is asking anyone with information on Thomas’ whereabouts to contact the sheriff’s office.
Including the OCSO, SLED, and the DEA,the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, Clemson Police, Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, the 10th Circuit Solicitor’s Office and postal inspectors with the United States Postal Service all assisted in The Promoter, officials said.
The investigation is ongoing and more arrests could still me coming, they said.
