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ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WACH) - Six people are behind bars after a massive drug bust in Orangeburg County Thursday.

State, federal and local authorities seized 7 kilograms of cocaine worth about $500,000 along with weapons, vehicles, and $300,000 cash.

“These individuals were not amateurs,” said Sheriff Leroy Ravenell.  “They possessed weapons, body armor, and a machine to compress cocaine.”

The weapons cache seized included 3 SKS rifles, an AK-47 and TEC-9.

Individuals also had ammunition capable of penetrating through bullet proof vests.

The suspects lived in Vance, Holly Hill, Santee and Orangeburg. 

Genero Torres, Mauricio  Martinez, and Jesse Collier are being held for federal authorities, all having 150,000 dollar bails.

Byron Canty, J. Kembe Jamison, and Issac Franklin all have 50,000 dollar surety bonds, and are currently not behind bars.

Sheriff Ravenell says this is the largest drug bust since he took office last year.