Analysis
North Charleston Gangster Disciples and Fruit Town Piru: inside the 26-defendant federal case
Oct 18, 2026
A federal investigation that began with North Charleston street gangs in 2017 worked up the supply chain to Atlanta and Mexico. 26 people are now charged.
On May 20, 2026 the U.S. Attorney's Office unsealed a nine-count indictment in Charleston charging 14 more people. That brings the case to 26 defendants, eight of whom have pleaded guilty. [1]
Where it started
Per the indictment, the investigation began in 2017, when the FBI and local agencies looked into two North Charleston street gangs: the Gangster Disciples and Fruit Town Piru, which the release calls "a sect of the Bloods." [1]
From street level to supplier
Investigators say gang members and others sold cocaine, crack, heroin, fentanyl and methamphetamine throughout Charleston County. Agents then traced the supply up to wholesale sources in Atlanta and Mexico. [1]
Seizures over the life of the case, as reported: [1]
- about 61 kilograms of cocaine
- 1 kilogram of methamphetamine and 600 grams of fentanyl
- 500 grams of heroin and 24 pounds of marijuana
- 12 firearms
Why it matters for corrections
Most of the newly charged defendants face mandatory minimums of 10 to 15 years if convicted. [1] Convictions would put members of both sets into custody at the same time, so classification and housing staff should expect these affiliations at intake.
Agencies
The FBI Columbia Field Office, ATF, Secret Service, SLED, and police and sheriff's offices across Charleston, Dorchester and Berkeley counties took part. [1]
All charges are accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
- 26 Indicted in Homeland Security Task Force Investigation into Lowcountry Gang Drug Trafficking Network — U.S. Attorney's Office, District of South Carolina (2026-05-20)
Related photos & video
How Larry Hoover and the Gangster Disciples took over Chicago
YouTube documentary · Source
Bloods hand sign
Reference example of a Bloods hand sign.
Wikimedia Commons · See file page · Source
Gangster Disciples symbol
Six-pointed star and pitchfork insignia used by Folk Nation sets.
Wikimedia Commons · See file page · Source
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