Six Charged in South Carolina Drug Conspiracy
A federal grand jury indicted six people on a 13-count drug conspiracy charge involving large quantities of marijuana.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Drug Crime
A federal grand jury returned a 13-count indictment against six individuals for their roles in a drug conspiracy in South Carolina, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of South Carolina. Charges include conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana, as well as firearms offenses.
Why it matters
The indictment reflects coordinated federal and state action against large-scale marijuana trafficking in South Carolina, with multiple defendants facing lengthy potential prison terms. It also underscores the role of firearms in drug trafficking cases.
Six defendants have been indicted on 13 counts, with four facing maximum penalties of life imprisonment and two facing up to 40 years. Prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick Bianchi, and the defendants' court proceedings have not been reported.
The players
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of South Carolina
The federal prosecutorial office responsible for bringing federal criminal cases in South Carolina, which presented the indictment.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Columbia Field Office
The FBI field office that participated in investigating the drug conspiracy case alongside state and local agencies.
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
The state's primary law enforcement agency, which joined the federal investigation into the drug conspiracy.
The details
Keith Washington, Antoine White, Pierre Jackson, Sahib Rose, Zongteng Wang, and Julian Freeman were named in the indictment. Washington and Wang are charged with conspiracy involving 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana, while White and Freeman face conspiracy charges involving 100 kilograms or more. Jackson and Rose face firearms charges, including possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Timeline
November 6, 2026: U.S. Attorney's Office announces the indictment of six individuals.
Legal Context
The charges rely on federal conspiracy provisions under 21 U.S.C. § 846, which allow prosecutors to pursue multiple participants in a single trafficking network. The case illustrates how federal authorities continue to prosecute large marijuana trafficking operations even as many states have liberalized marijuana laws.
Residents of South Carolina may see continued federal and state enforcement against marijuana trafficking networks in their communities. The case also signals ongoing prosecution of firearms offenses tied to drug activity.
The takeaway
Federal conspiracy charges can reach every participant in a trafficking network, regardless of their individual role. Readers following drug crime cases should watch for plea agreements and court dates as the case moves forward.
Further reading
For related coverage, see Drug Crime reporting across South Carolina.
