South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster just announced plans to sign House Bill 3591 into law, creating a new criminal charge of fentanyl-induced homicide. The bill essentially allows prosecutors to seek up to 30 years in prison for individuals proven to have knowingly supplied fentanyl to someone who later dies from it.
McMaster said the legislation offers clear legal definitions to assist with securing convictions, despite concerns raised by some prosecutors. A group of twelve solicitors released a joint statement questioning the bill’s effectiveness, pointing instead to separate pending legislation focused on gang activity and racketeering as better tools to combat the drug crisis.
The announcement comes as South Carolina officials continue to prosecute one of the state’s largest fentanyl-related investigations. Dubbed “Devil in Disguise,” the operation spans five counties and has resulted in over 100 defendants facing nearly 400 charges.
Attorney General Alan Wilson revealed Monday that six fentanyl-related deaths have been tied to the investigation, which also netted enough fentanyl to kill two million people, more than $1 million in cash, and multiple firearms.
🚨 BREAKING: We just unsealed new State Grand Jury indictments in the “Devil in Disguise” investigation, targeting major fentanyl traffickers tied to Mexican cartels. Over 100 defendants. 380+ charges. 44kg cocaine. 4kg fentanyl. 10kg meth. $1M seized. We’re taking the fight… https://t.co/rdV7J5QWyt
— Alan Wilson (@AGAlanWilson) May 19, 2025
McMaster emphasized the bill’s importance in strengthening the state’s ability to hold drug suppliers accountable.
The new law will go into effect following his signature.
