Is the Sinaloa Cartel Among Us in Myrtle Beach?
Welcome to Myrtle Beach, the sunny hotspot where tourists flock for some fun and relaxation. But behind the allure of sandy shores and vibrant nightlife, a rather alarming discussion has emerged. According to a former police officer and tactical expert, Myrtle Beach has become an operational base for one of the world’s most notorious drug trafficking organizations: the Sinaloa cartel. Yes, you heard that right!
The Claims of a Former Officer
During a recent interview on “The Shawn Ryan Show,” Blake Cook—a former Fayetteville officer—claimed that the Sinaloa cartel is running the show in Myrtle Beach, saying, “The Sinaloa cartel runs Myrtle Beach.” Now, that’s quite a statement! He suggested that this powerful criminal group is involved in managing everything from strip clubs to beach shops, all while funneling in drugs and illicit cash.
Cook’s bold claim has sparked conversations online, with a specific TikTok clip from the interview already racking up nearly 33,000 views. He asserts that “anything that comes in and out of Myrtle Beach is the Sinaloa Cartel.” It’s a shocking revelation that has many residents wondering about the reality of crime in their community.
The Sinaloa Cartel: A Background
For those unacquainted, the Sinaloa cartel operates out of Culiacán, Mexico, and is infamous for its role in drug trafficking and money laundering. Cook emphasized that their operations are closely linked to Interstate 95, a key artery for transporting goods and drugs. In fact, he pointed out that Fayetteville, located halfway between New York City and Miami on I-95, is a strategic spot for their illegal activities.
Local Law Enforcement’s Response
We reached out to local law enforcement to get their take on Cook’s assertions. Horry County Police spokesperson Thomas Bell offered a measured response, stating there are no confirmed specifics about the Sinaloa cartel operating in Horry County. However, he did mention, “There have been past arrests made of individuals in Horry County with ties to cartels.” This sounds like it might be a tip of the iceberg situation!
Bell explained that the Horry County Police Department has specialized units dedicated to narcotics, street crimes, and gang activity to combat organized crime. They work closely with state and federal partners on gang-related issues, indicating that law enforcement is quite serious about tackling this problem.
A Closer Look at Gang Activity
So, what about gangs in Myrtle Beach? Police Chief Kris Leonhardt previously acknowledged the presence of gangs but chose not to divulge detailed information about which specific groups are active. It remains unclear what these gangs are doing and how they might be connected to the potential cartel activities.
Things take a darker turn as we learn from Fifteenth Circuit Solicitor Jimmy Richardson, who highlighted that gangs and drugs correlate with about 75% of criminal activity in Horry County. He mentioned divisions of national gangs such as the Bloods, Crips, and Gangster Disciples, which exist in the area, but mostly operate independently.
What Does the Community Think?
As revelations swirl around the potential involvement of the Sinaloa cartel in Myrtle Beach, one couldn’t help but wonder what the average resident thinks. Beach towns are often synonymous with fun and relaxation, but the idea that a violent cartel could be operating nearby puts a damper on things.
In response to concerns, Randolph Angotti, a spokesperson for the Myrtle Beach Police Department, stated that collaborations with local, state, and federal agencies are ongoing to address all drug and gun-related cases. This partnership could help ensure that such activities are curbed, regardless of who is behind them.
Final Thoughts
As of now, there’s much speculation surrounding the presence of the Sinaloa cartel in Myrtle Beach, but concrete evidence remains elusive. The community is left with lingering questions: Is this just a rumor, or is there more truth to these claims than we realize? As always, we encourage residents to stay informed and vigilant!
For those interested in further investigating what’s happening in their community, and to raise their concerns, there’s always an opportunity to reach out to local news platforms or law enforcement. As we navigate through these uncertain times, let’s hope that clarity will shed light on any lurking shadows in our beloved Myrtle Beach.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
