14 agencies carry out targeted sting operation on unsanctioned nightclub, arresting ‘high-level’ cartel members

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – Federal, state, and local agencies carried out a targeted sting operation at an unsanctioned nightclub in Ladson.

14 agencies approached The Alamo around 3 a.m. on June 1, as part of “Operation Last Stand.” These include the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and more. Sheriff Carl Ritchie said they have been monitoring the club since November 2024.

“This particular location has been a source of a lot of disruption, crime, assaults, drug dealing etc. going on in that particular area,” said Ritchie.

116 criminal and immigration warrants were served to 80 people. There over 60 people believed to be in the country illegally, who were detained. The multi-agency effort allowed for the arrest of two high-level cartel members and an international murder suspect wanted by Interpol. Governor Henry McMaster said this is why he believes stricter border policies are necessary.

“One way it happened is when you don’t have strong law enforcement, this is what happens. When particularly, in these cases now, that we’re going to have now and for years to come when we have illegal immigration,” McMaster said. “People with criminal backgrounds, people that bet on causing trouble that are recognized – some as terrorists, that are allowed to come through a completely open border. This is what you get.”

The governor added this operation was an example of a coordinated approach of these agencies working to enforce the laws under President Donald Trump.

With over 200 patrons in the building, law enforcement also discovered seven people believed to be human trafficking victims and a missing juvenile. Officials said there were 10 underage minors in the building, with the youngest of them being 13 years old. Additionally, Charleston County code enforcement has shut down the unlicensed club.

“I’m very proud of what agencies did in that operation. I was there, very long day, but I was with them to see what these men and women do and supported them,” the sheriff said. “I’m very proud we got this type of element out of our community. We made it safe for some of our young people and we’re going to continue working on that.”

Enrique Grace, president of the Charleston Hispanic Association, told News 2 he is grateful for the transparency from CCSO.

“The Hispanic community is applauding what happened. The Hispanic community and the immigrant community doesn’t want criminals in their backyard, that’s kind of why they left the country – they are coming here. We applaud what happened, that place has been around for a long time, I guess nobody knew what was going on in there. We’re pretty happy that the bad guys are off the street,” Grace said.

This is an ongoing investigation. Those with information about The Alamo are encouraged to call 803-896-7400.