In 2013 I was introduced to the legend of the GENTLEMEN SMUGGLERS by a close friend.
​ A group of guys and gals from coastal South Carolina ended up forming one of the largest marijuana smuggling rings in the country. From 1971 - 1984 they smuggled in over 160 tons of grass into the country. Initially from Jamaica, then Colombia, South America. Plus 60 tons of Lebanese hashish out of the Port of Beirut. All my boat, 70 days at sea. The first federal sting in then Ronald Reagan's WAR ON DRUGS was called OPERATION JACKPOT and it was to go after these guys. The newspapers referred to them as Gentlemen Smugglers on account of the fact that they never used guns and never hurt anyone, preferring instead to have a good time; rather than givin' anyone a hard-time.
In 2020 we started working on a documentary film project about these real-life pot smugglers from the 1970s. Realizing that we had something unique, in 2022 we launched a legal cannabis brand; selling legal cannabis in states where cannabis is legal. First in Massachusetts, then New Mexico, then Maryland, then New York.
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LOOK OUT CHARLESTON, THE BOYS (& GIRLS) ARE BACK IN TOWN!
In 2024 Gentlemen Smugglers expanded to include Hemp products. Since Hemp is legal on the federal level, it has has made it possible for Gentlemen Smugglers to be able offer legal Hemp derived liquid THC Drink mixers in their home state of Charleston, SC. In 2025 we expanded to offer our SIPS Liquid THC drink mixers in SC, NC, TN, MN, TX, OH and FL.
For 5 years I was blessed to be able to travel around the world with my wife and two young kids. In 2010, my wife was hired at a brand new start-up called Airbnb. Where she became the 35th employee at Airbnb. In 2012, Airbnb asked us if we would consider moving our family (dogs and kids) to Barcelona, Spain to open up their new EU office. We said YES! Then in 2014 we were asked again, if we would consider moving our family to to Dublin, Ireland to help them open their new EU Headquarters. WE SAID YES!!! I continued to work remotely on painting commissions as well as editing on several Feature Film EPK projects for a movie studio back in the States. In September of 2016, after 5 years spent living abroad, my family returned to our home in Charleston, SC where we currently reside.
Watch the videos below for the full story.
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Living in Barcelona
Hired to paint at wedding reception
Filming at the live Opera CARMEN
Listen to the Official Spotify Gentlemen Smugglers deeper cuts playlist, curated by Kevin Harrison
(365 songs)