2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. Copyright 2021 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved. It amazes me that some people still think drug traffickers are somehow low-level, non-violent criminals. WebThey also confiscated 36 pounds of crystal meth, two kilograms of cocaine, over one kilogram of heroin, three kilograms of fentanyl, $108,000 in cash and 21 guns and The operation resulted in the seizure of weapons, drugs and more than $31 million in cash and virtual currencies. Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com. Closed for business, Traffic stop leads to drug bust on local trap house March 2, 2023; Man arrested after scheduling meetup with minor for sex February 27, MIAMI - South Florida federal prosecutors have charged the leader of a notorious Mexican drug cartel and five others for their alleged roles in importing into the United States over 500 kilograms of Mexican methamphetamine. According to authorities, U.S. authorities teamed up with Europol to make the Operation Dark HunTor arrests. PUBLISHED 7:31 PM ET May. Lee County deputies served several search warrants and detectives found $1 million in cash as well as kilos of cocaine and fentanyl. You think about that brothers," Judd said after suggesting he'd help the men come up with a new rap song. From left: Luis Spencer, 31, and Olatunji Dawodu, 36. When deputies finished their search, they were seen carrying computers along with a box filled with evidence bags. WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (WFLA) Federal and local law enforcement officials have arrested six people in connection to a drug trafficking operation with Mexican drug cartel ties, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. The vehicle traveled down Veterans Blvd until a deputy was able to make a traffic stop. The big scale when you look at it, and you look at the big picture, some would say its something we just cant beat, I dont believe that. Operation Hammer and Hope (Clay County Sheriff's Office). Investigators say Vincent Thomas, 35, and Patrick Field, 34, were also considered main distributors in the area. WebThe drug bust was reportedly sparked by two recent homicides in the area. PENSACOLA Eleven people from Fort Walton Beach, Mary Esther, Navarre and Miramar Beach were sentenced Friday to multi-year federal prison terms on drug-related charges. A total of 65 arrests were made in the U.S. The FBIin conjunction with the USPIS, FDA, and DEA, had been investigating a criminal enterprise that operated two Darknet vendor accounts, a news release from the DOJ read. LCSO Crime scene vans were seen at CLB Collisions & Customs and Rim Source, which was surrounded by crime scene tape. On March 1, 2023, Narcotics Detectives investigating several overdoses connected to 480 Fletcher Street observed a tan Chevy Avalanche arrive to the above residence which stayed only briefly. Port Charlotte, FL - March 2, 2023 Deputies approaching a vehicle interrupted a passenger attempting to inject Heroin during a traffic stop. Most of these suspects are gang members and contributed to violent crimes, Perez said. Cox Media Group. The Lee County Sheriffs Office held a news conference on the raid that happened at an auto body shop off of Evans Avenue and Oak Ridge Court on Wednesday. In January, Sheriff Michelle Cook, along with her leadership team, say they took a hard look at the drug issues in Clay County and discussed strategies on how to best combat them. Share currently playing on Facebook (Opens a new window), Share currently playing on Twitter (Opens a new window), Jacksonvilles Morning News with Rich Jones, Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on breaking stories, SPOTLIGHT: Gate River Run kicks off first weekend in March, Alaska's arduous Iditarod kicks off with ceremonial start, Election conspiracies fuel dispute over voter fraud system, NFL combine 2023 tracker: QBs take stage for 40-yard dash, throwing portion, You Decide 2023 - The Race For Jacksonville Mayor - LeAnna Cumber Spotlight, You Decide 2023 - The Race For Jacksonville Mayor - Daniel Davis Spotlight, You Decide 2023 - The Race For Jacksonville Mayor - Omega Allen Spotlight. Deputies and detectives from the West Volusia Narcotics Task Force and Deltona Narcotics Enforcement Team were part of the operation. Five of the eight people were arrested for possession and intent to distribute meth. All Rights Reserved. They hurt parents and siblings and spouses and most of all our children, Cook said. My team and I remain dedicated to eradicating the sale of illegal drugs in our community. The suspects from South Florida were identified by authorities as Luis Spencer, 31, and Olatunji Dawodu, 36, both of who are from Fort Lauderdale. There are also plans to hand over those cases to the Office of the State Attorney after each investigation is done, with the intention of securing manslaughter indictments. Drug trafficking impacts entire communities with violence and frequency of drug use, he said. Sheriff Grady Judd is speaking to the media in regards to Operation: Bell Gang Blues, a drug trafficking investigation in Lake Wales that netted 29 suspects, and arrest warrants for three others. The deputy immediately removed Ketchum from the vehicle and placed her into custody. Learn More. There were more than 100 charges from the cases, including over 80 felonies. All rights reserved. WebWhile searching the house, police found fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, the sheriff's office said. TRENDING STORY: Gainesville man arrested for pulling gun on his brother. VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office arrested 16 people on drugs charges during busts this week. If you are a drug dealer understand that we have a highly trained and professional team of patrol deputies and detectives who love our community and will not allow you to prey upon our children and families, Cook said. According to police, Starke and Lawtey Police Department officers arrested the eight individuals in various parts of the county in connection to the drug ring. He said since OPD started tracking drugs in the community in 2017, just in Ocala proper, police have responded to roughly 900 over dose incidents. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. PCSO charges 32 suspects during Operation Bell Gang Blues, a 16-month investigation of illegal drug traffickingPhoto: Polk County Sheriffs Office. Copyright 2021 WCJB. On March 1, 2023, Narcotics Detectives investigating several overdoses connected to 480 Fletcher Street Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. Two people, including the father of former Florida State and NFL player Letroy Guion, were charged for selling cocaine. Tune in to FOX 35 Orlando for the latest Central Gateway family busted with cocaine & fentanyl in major drug operation, North Port man crashed through FHP homicide investigation, Motorcyclist dead after crash at Fort Myers shopping center. Perez said suspects would come to Tallahassee to conduct business then hide out in Gadsden where there are fewer law enforcement resources. The fentayl is really bad right now.. His agents and other law enforcement officials spent a total of 12,000 man hours during the investigation and it was clear from the violence that surrounded the drug ring that the two are deeply connected. In January, Sheriff Michelle Cook, along with Residents like Tasia Beener said they are glad the Sheriff's Office is trying to get drugs off the streets. 0:00. WebLAKE WALES, Fla. Thirty-two people are facing dozens of charges following a $283,000 drug trafficking bust in Polk County, the sheriff's office said. Everything you need to know about Florida's theme parks and the all-new Attractions Insider podcast! Nearly 2 dozen arrested in Delaware drug bust. 2023 www.tallahassee.com. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. LEE COUNTY, Fla. Six people were arrested in a massive drug bust at an auto body shop in Lee County. WebA drug bust in Florida led to the seizure of enough fentanyl to kill at least 500,000 people, according to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office. During a press conference Thursday morning, Judd said earlier this year the Polk County Sheriffs Office High There will also be a no-questions-asked drug drop-off location. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Officials said that several suspects who were directly involved with opioid overdose death investigations were arrested. One of 44 suspects arrested in sweeping drug bust in Clay County. All 32 people said to be involved in the drug trafficking operation face a total of 301 felonies and 134 misdemeanors. PENSACOLA, Fla (WKRG) The Escambia County Sheriffs Office Narcotics Unit and SWAT Team arrested two men at a home at 2987 Michael Drive and theyre facing several drug charges. Researchers say red tide is pushing sharks into Tampa Bay area canals, Seattle Kraken take Yanni Gourde from Tampa Bay Lightning in expansion draft, Gov. Perez said as part of acriminal enterprise, many covered their illegal dealings through seemingly legitimate businesses such as recording studios, entertainment venues, trucking companies and auto body shops. Tap on any of the buttons below to download our app. Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken spoke about this drug epidemic in the city during the press conference. WebMiami-Dade PD Takes Down 5 In Drug Bust Near Kendall School, Confiscating Duffle Bags, Coolers Full Of Narcotics. Two men from South Florida are among more than 100 people who were recently arrested in connection with a Darknet drug trafficking bust. Coast Guard offloads record $1.4 billion worth of cocaine and marijuana at Florida port By Peter Martinez August 6, 2021 / 7:49 AM / CBS News The U.S. Coast Guard Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. A collaborative of law enforcement officials announced the arrests after nearly a year of work, which allegedlybrought down major players and street level dealers who operated in Leon and Gadsden counties but had connections to California, Georgia and Texas. The drug busts, which started at 4 a.m. on Monday, took place at the Budget Inn and Bradford Inn, which are both located along Hwy 301, and in a residential area on North Pine Street which is located off of SR 16. The sheriff said, during their investigation, deputies discovered there were three key players behind the drug trafficking. WebA man is in jail after the largest marijuana bust in Escambia County history. One of 44 suspects arrested in sweeping drug bust in Clay County. LAKE WALES, Fla. Thirty-two people are facing dozens of charges following a $283,000 drug trafficking bust in Polk County, the sheriff's office said. Deputies say all illegal drug activity was traced to the Clay Hill and Middleburg areas and Operation Hammer and Hope was launched in an effort to fight against drugs and drug dealers in the area. "We put your tail in the county jail. WebMichael Wallace, 48, Tallahassee: Charged with trafficking in cocaine, conspiracy to traffic in cocaine, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device Nigel Brown, 29, He said much of the violent activity connected to the drug ring happened in the rural county west of Tallahassee. Related story: Ocala police uncover drug operation run by father and son during shooting investigation. Operation Dirty Water Leads to Major Drug Bust in Floridas Polk County May 8, 2021 May 7, 2021 Casey Owens The Polk County sheriffs office along with the U.S. Border Control and other federal agencies have seized 120 gallons of liquid methamphetamine and other narcotics as a result of a transnational investigation named DeSantis responds to St. Pete Mayor Kriseman's criticisms: 'How did I politicize red tide? In court records detailing several of the arrests, Kevin Choute of Tallahassee is named as the head of the ring. Brown had an active warrant for trafficking in heroin. 01, 2021. WebCLAY COUNTY, Fla. The Clay County Sheriffs Office said Thursday 44 people are behind bars following a massive drug bust. Download it here. To keep up with the latest local news subscribe to our TV20 newsletter HERE and receive news straight to your email every morning. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Gabriel Cossio, Gabriel Cossio Jr., Melissa Cossio, Jesus Cossio, Aaron Pruitt, and Christopher Ramirez were all arrested on drug charges. All rights reserved. Pasco sheriff: 3 people, including a 6-year-old girl, shot in the head during home invasion, Missing child alert canceled for Miami 15-year-old, 10 Weather: Warm weekend, isolated rain chances, Windy conditions ahead of chance of rain this weekend. We arent only going to put you in jail, but were going to take you money cars and businesses and anything else you gained from the sale of illegal drugs, Sheriff Marceno said. ', A Frank Conversation: New podcast explores race, religion, politics and more, Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter. Samantha Mathers is a digital reporter and content creator for Action News Jax. Angela Dunklebarger, 49, Tavoris Jones, 37, and Reginald Phillips, 37, remain at large, according to law enforcement. On April 29 Five people have been arrested in connection to a huge Judd said James McClain, 34, was a major distributor of methamphetamines and marijuana in the Lake Wales area. The Fentanyl seized is enough to kill nearly 30,000 people by overdose, officials say. The communities of Leon and Gadsden counties are safer with the arrests of these individuals., More drug rings:Cocaine, heroin, pot, $30K seized; at least six arrested as FDLE breaks up alleged drug ring, More:Federal prisons employee indicted in large-scale dog-fighting ring, More:Eight more charged in Panhandle drug ring. (Clay County Sheriff's Office), STAY UPDATED:Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on breaking stories. WebPENSACOLA, Fla (WKRG) The Escambia County Sheriffs Office Narcotics Unit and SWAT Team arrested two men at a home at 2987 Michael Drive and theyre facing Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. According to police, Starke and Lawtey Police Department officers arrested the eight individuals in various parts of the county in connection to the drug ring. A man in south Florida died from a brain-eating infection last month after using tap water during sinus rinses, according to FOX 4. 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STARKE, Fla. (WCJB) - The Starke Police Department arrested eight people in connection with a drug distribution ring early Monday morning. We will never know the lives saved through this investigation.. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Drugs dont just affect one person. They also found $4,557 in cash inside the house. One of the accounts was operated out of the Miami area and the other out of the Providence, Rhode Island, area.. WebORLANDO, Fla. Orlando police say they seized 2 grams of fentanyl, 24 grams of cocaine, 7 grams of methamphetamine, 2 grams of MDMA plus marijuana, pills and cash during a A major drug ring operating out of Tallahassee had connections to other states and investigators say its members, 27 of whom have been taken into custody, wereresponsible for flooding North Florida with cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and Fentanyl. Investigators said the arrests included charges of armed trafficking in fentanyl, armed trafficking in oxycodone, possession of methamphetamine, and the sale and delivery of crack cocaine. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of various narcotics and ties to a local drug house. 1:14. WebRecent Posts. 01, 2021. 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If you have any information on local drug activity, please contact the Charlotte County Sheriffs Office at 941-639-2101 or through our mobile app. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of various narcotics and ties to a local drug house. Police say they are still looking for Mario Hankerson on a warrant for selling cocaine. Following a 16-month undercover investigation, Polk County Sheriffs Office undercover Narcotics detectives and the HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) task force made 29 arrests in the Lake Wales area and obtained three arrest warrants related to the trafficking, sale, and possession of illegal narcotics. and last updated 7:21 PM, May 13, 2021 LEE COUNTY, Fla. Deputies arrested six people Wednesday in the largest drug bust to ever hit Lee County. Authorities said they took down DarkMarket, the worlds then-largest illegal marketplace on the Darknet, in January and international law enforcement agencies identified various Darknet drug vendors and buyers who engaged in tens of thousands of sales of illicit good and services across Australia, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. As the deputy approached, he observed Ketchum with a loaded syringe in her hand attempting to inject herself with a substance testing positive for Heroin. New Zealand police find 3.5 tons of cocaine in Pacific Ocean. Its terrifying that number of people can die at the hands of a drug dealer that wants to turn a quick profit, and for those people that are watching this press conference later on, let me say this, I know that there are addicts out there that are going to see this, and Im going to ask you to do this, reach out for help. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. In this instance, eleven guns were in the hands of these felons two of which were stolen. Amanda Batchelor, Digital Executive Producer. A 9mm handgun was also seized during the operation, investigators said. They also confiscated 36 pounds of crystal meth, two kilograms of cocaine, over one kilogram of heroin, three kilograms of fentanyl, $108,000 in cash and 21 guns and ammunition - all in just three months. Once she returned, the vehicle left. FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said those arrested had 93 prior drug arrests, including some federal, 67 prior violentcrime arrests and 175 prior felony counts.