News Summary
A former police officer has alleged that the Sinaloa cartel has infiltrated Myrtle Beach, SC, using beach shops and strip clubs as fronts for illegal activities. His claims highlight the area’s emerging role in drug and arms trafficking due to its proximity to Interstate 95. Local law enforcement remains cautious, addressing organized crime while investigating the validity of these allegations. The comments have sparked community concern and dialogue about potential ramifications for public safety amidst a broader national focus on cartel activities.
Myrtle Beach, SC – A former police officer, Blake Cook, has claimed that the notorious Sinaloa cartel has extended its operations to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, allegedly running beach shops and strip clubs as fronts for illegal activities. These assertions were made during an interview on November 28 on “The Shawn Ryan Show,” which has sparked concern among local law enforcement and community members alike.
According to Cook, the Sinaloa cartel’s influence in Myrtle Beach has transformed the area into a hub for drug and gun distribution, primarily due to its close proximity to Interstate 95, a major route for drug traffickers. His comments, further amplified by a TikTok video that has gained nearly 33,000 views, suggest that the cartel’s operations are deeply entrenched, stating that “anything that comes in and out of Myrtle Beach is the Sinaloa Cartel.”
The Sinaloa cartel, based in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico, is infamous for its violent history and sophisticated drug trafficking and money laundering operations. It is recognized as one of the most powerful drug cartels involved in smuggling various illicit substances into the United States. Cook’s extensive background in law enforcement, which includes serving as a police officer in Fayetteville, NC, and his current role as the director of law enforcement operations for Blu Bearing Solutions, further lends weight to his claims.
However, local law enforcement agencies, including the Horry County Police, have been measured in their response to Cook’s allegations. A spokesperson for the police department indicated that while there have been arrests related to cartel activities in the past, there are no confirmed reports linking the Sinaloa cartel specifically to operations in Horry County. The police chief noted that there is awareness of gang activity in the area but emphasized that ongoing investigations preclude providing specific details about which gangs might be involved.
Criminal activity in Horry County is significant, with estimates suggesting that drugs and gangs constitute 75% of the region’s overall criminal incidents. Notably, there are existing gang divisions within the Myrtle Beach vicinity, including groups such as Bloods, Crips, Gangster Disciples, and Folk Nation; however, these gangs are reported to be loosely affiliated with broader national gang networks.
Local law enforcement agencies are actively addressing organized crime, with dedicated teams focused on narcotics, street crimes, and gang-related issues. The cooperation between local, state, and federal law enforcement is emphasized as crucial in combating drug and gun-related crime in the region, irrespective of the groups involved.
Recent law enforcement actions reflect ongoing drug trade concerns. The FBI has made notable arrests, including a Mexican national named Rafael Contreras, connected with trafficking heroin and cocaine in Horry County. Additionally, a multi-year investigation led by the DEA uncovered money laundering operations associated with both the Sinaloa cartel and the Cartel Jalisco New Generation (CJNG), resulting in arrests in Sumter, SC. Those arrested were reportedly collaborating with Chinese money launderers to facilitate their operations.
The claims made by Cook about the Sinaloa cartel’s presence in Myrtle Beach have sparked a dialogue about the potential ramifications of organized crime in the area. As law enforcement continues their investigations, the implications for public safety and community trust remain a focal point of concern amidst rising national focus on cartel activities in various regions across the United States.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Attorney General Pam Bondi Advocates Tough Crime Policies
Mexico Extradites Rafael Caro Quintero and Cartel Leaders
Rafael Contreras Arrested for Drug Trafficking in Horry County
Myrtle Beach Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Drug Crimes
Recent Arrests in Horry County Highlight Child Safety Issues
Is the Sinaloa Cartel Operating in Myrtle Beach? Community Concerns Rise
Additional Resources
- AOL News
- Wikipedia: Sinaloa Cartel
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach cartels
- WYFF4 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug Trafficking
- WMBF News
- Google Scholar: Sinaloa cartel in Myrtle Beach
- WBTW News
- Google News: Sinaloa cartel
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.
