Fourteen drug arrests have been made in South Carolina that are considered part of a major international drug cartel bust.  The US Drug Enforcement Agency along with the US Attorney’s Office says this is part of Operation Coronato, a cooperative effort targeting the La Famillia cartel.  Based in Mexico that cartel is described as a violent multi-drug cartel that sells drugs throughout the United States.  The FBI and local law enforcement are also a part of the operation.  During the two-day operation alone, $3.4 million in cash, 109 vehicles and 144 weapons were seized, along with 729 pounds of methamphetamine, 62 kilograms of cocaine, and 967 pounds of marijuana.  Indicted in the case were individuals were Ladson, North Charleston, Summerville, Monchs Corner, Atlanta and Los Angeles.  The prosecution is assigned to Assistant US Attorney Peter Phillips.  Each dedendent faces life in prison and a fine of $4 million.

A former Savannah River Site engineer has been indicted for fraud.   Forty-six-year-old Joseph Ralph Lohre, Jr., formerly of the Aiken area, is charged with theft of government funds and making false statements. The indictment alleges that between 2006 and 2008 that Lohre falsely claimed eligibility for housing benefits through a program administered by the National Nuclear Security Administration, and submitted falsified documentation to support a false claim that he owned a residence in Kentucky. Lohre could receive up to ten years imprisonment for theft of government funds.