18 Arrested in Relation to Drug/Firearms Trafficking Ring in Grand Strand

More than a dozen people have been charged in relation to a major drug trafficking ring. Operation New Optix is a series of joint federal and local investigations targeting drugs and violent crime. It’s believed this most recent operation originated out of areas in the Grand Strand and Pee Dee, including Myrtle Beach, Conway and Florence. 18 people have now been arrested and face federal drug conspiracy and firearms charges in connection to the operation. Three others were already in custody on similar counts and five additional suspects are still at large.