recent drug bust in florida 2021

Some will face prosecution at the circuit level while some are likely to face statewide prosecutors. Judd said James McClain, 34, was a major distributor of methamphetamines and marijuana in the Lake Wales area. Narcotics detectives also located 24 Buprenorphine films inside the vehicle Kellie Coe was driving. Director of UDEST, Captain Jason Douglas said he wont stop. 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 this instance, eleven guns were in the hands of these felons two of which were stolen. 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. Tune in to FOX 35 Orlando for the latest Central Everything you love about wokv.com and more! One of the top suspects was murdered during the investigation, which began in June, and his son was charged in another murder. Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said this is one of the largest drug busts in LCSO history. 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. Samantha Mathers is a digital reporter and content creator for Action News Jax. Cox Media Group. Port Charlotte, FL - March 2, 2023 Deputies approaching a vehicle interrupted a passenger attempting to inject Heroin during a traffic stop. Win Tickets to see Taylor Swift in Tampa Bay! Despite 32 people being charged, only 29 have been arrested, according to the sheriff's office. Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com. Tap on any of the buttons below to download our app. During the investigation, detectives and agents executed search warrants at eight locations in southeast Polk County: Detectives filed 301 total felony and 134 total misdemeanor charges against the suspects during the investigation. WebMiami-Dade PD Takes Down 5 In Drug Bust Near Kendall School, Confiscating Duffle Bags, Coolers Full Of Narcotics. LEE COUNTY, Fla. Six people were arrested in a massive drug bust at an auto body shop in Lee County. WebPolk Sheriff talks about major drug bust and makes up a rap verse. 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 Fentanyl seized is enough to kill nearly 30,000 people by overdose, officials say. VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office arrested 16 people on drugs charges during busts this week. These young individuals are wasting their lives and risking the lives of others peddling this poison.. OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - Agents with the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST) announced Wednesday that they have seized more than 300 marijuana plants, plus an additional 300 packaged marijuana products. Zelensky says more than 70,000 Russian war crimes, In Chicago, adapting electric buses to winters challenges, Download the WKRG Weather APP for Android, 2 with life-threatening injuries in shooting at, Family shot in head at Florida home: sheriff, Downtown Mobile juice bar owner wants to get people, ADEM announces new group to study response to fire, New remote-controlled water rescue device being used, Daphne Fire Department rescues dog from house fire, New airline coming to Mobile, says Airport Authority, South Sounds Music Festival releases 2023 lineup, Suspect shot in head during warrant execution: Mobile, New video halts Nakhla trial for the day, defense, Baker HS softball dedicates bullpen, retires jersey, City of Mobile reports 257K pounds of litter collected, Whats the newest city in the US? Additionally, more than 10 grams of Fentanyl, 7.4 grams of Methamphetamines, Hydromorphone pills, Cannabis and several loaded syringes containing Fentanyl were discovered. There will also be a no-questions-asked drug drop-off location. The two drugs that we were keying in on which was the crystal meth and also the fenatyl. The sheriff said, during their investigation, deputies discovered there were three key players behind the drug trafficking. I believe that if we try hard enough we can do anything, Douglas said. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. The deputy immediately removed Ketchum from the vehicle and placed her into custody. PCSO charges 32 suspects during Operation Bell Gang Blues, a 16-month investigation of Officials said that the arrest of Noah Francis in Summerfield was their biggest bust of the bunch, as they were able to recover two kilograms of fentanyl, the drug that is most commonly the cause of over dose deaths. Perez said suspects would come to Tallahassee to conduct business then hide out in Gadsden where there are fewer law enforcement resources. 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. February 26, 2021 / 8:48 AM / CBS Texas DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Newly sworn-in Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia is praising his Narcotics division and SWAT for a recent drug bust. 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. Major drug dealer arrested, more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana seized Aug 26, 2021 / 07:59 To keep up with the latest local news subscribe to our TV20 newsletter HERE and receive news straight to your email every morning. STARKE, Fla. (WCJB) - The Starke Police Department arrested eight people in connection with a drug distribution ring early Monday morning. Out of those 900 cases, 119 people lost their lives. Starke Chief of Police Jeff Johnson says that the main drugs that they were concerned with were meth and fentanyl. Nearly 2 dozen arrested in Delaware drug bust. Copyright 2023 Waterman Broadcasting of Florida, LLC, Home News Local Gateway family busted with cocaine & fentanyl in major drug operation. Are dogs allowed on the beach in Dauphin Island? All rights reserved. ', A Frank Conversation: New podcast explores race, religion, politics and more, Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter. Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. Brown had an active warrant for trafficking in heroin. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a health advisory on Friday about an increase in an antibiotic-resistant strain of the Shigella bacteria. The vehicle traveled down Veterans Blvd until a deputy was able to make a traffic stop. Sign up below to be added to our mailing list for the latest news updates, access to exclusive contests, and more! Operation Hammer and Hope (Clay County Sheriff's Office). 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 According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 150 people were arrested, including two people from South Florida. My team and I remain dedicated to eradicating the sale of illegal drugs in our community. New Zealand police find 3.5 tons of cocaine in Pacific Ocean. We will never know the lives saved through this investigation.. WebPUBLISHED 7:31 PM ET May. Authorities also identified other co-conspirators and carried out search warrants for each person, which resulted in the seizure of $770,000, one weapon and about 3.5 kilograms of pressed fentanyl. Never miss a story: Subscribe to the Tallahassee Democrat using the link at the top of the page. Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken spoke about this drug epidemic in the city during the press conference. TRENDING STORY: Gainesville man arrested for pulling gun on his brother. 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 Drug trafficking impacts entire communities with violence and frequency of drug use, he said. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of various narcotics and ties to a local drug house. There were more than 100 charges from the cases, including over 80 felonies. Copyright 2021 WCJB. Deputies approaching a vehicle interrupted a passenger attempting to inject Heroin during a traffic stop. 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, 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. Most of these suspects are gang members and contributed to violent crimes, Perez said. If youre struggling with addiction, you can get help Friday at Wilkinson Elementary School from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 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. FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said those arrested had 93 prior drug arrests, including some federal, 67 prior violentcrime arrests and 175 prior felony counts. They were also perpetrators of violence, Perez said. LCSO Crime scene vans were seen at CLB Collisions & Customs and Rim Source, which was surrounded by crime scene tape. Judd said the two were rappers and liked to show off the guns and jewelry they obtained. All rights reserved. 0:00. The SWAT team made entry to the home after knocking and announcing who they were. 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PCSO charges 32 suspects during Operation Bell Gang Blues, a 16-month investigation of illegal drug traffickingPhoto: Polk County Sheriffs Office. According to authorities, U.S. authorities teamed up with Europol to make the Operation Dark HunTor arrests. On April 29 and 30 deputies and investigators hit areas in DeLand and Deltona. What is a COVID-19 vaccine 'breakthrough' case? Altogether, the suspects have 645 previous charges, including 314 prior felonies and 331 prior misdemeanors. 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. Cassidy Ketchum was arrested and charged with the following: Narcotics Detectives executed a search warrant at 480 Fletcher St. in Port Charlotte where Jeanette Souza (8/23/86) and Kellie Coe (6/29/83) were taken into custody. During the search warrant a plethora of drug paraphernalia was located including hundreds of used drug baggies and syringes. 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. The suspects from South Florida were identified by authorities as Luis Spencer, 31, and Olatunji Dawodu, 36, both of who are from Fort Lauderdale. View all posts by Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Closed for business, Traffic stop leads to drug bust on local trap house, Man arrested after scheduling meetup with minor for sex, PC Man Arrested with Trafficking Amount of Fentanyl/Cocaine, Florida Division of Gaming Enforcement puts local casinos on notice, Deputies catch one of Charlotte Countys most wanted after foot pursuit ends in canal, 2.50 grams (in vial weight) of liquid Heroin from inside syringe, 0.1 grams (IBW) of pink/blue Fentanyl on top of center console, 8 white pills bearing the markings M8 which were identified via pill identifier as Hydromorphone Hydrochloride (schedule 2 controlled substance), One bottle cap (Contents testing positive for Fentanyl), One cigarette wrapper that previously contained Hydromorphone Hydrochloride pills, Drug Paraphernalia Possession or Use Of. (Volusia County Sheriff's Office), California Consumer Limit the Use of My Sensitive Personal Information, California Consumer Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. 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. In a news conference, Sheriff Grady Judd said drugs like marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines and ecstacy were taken from the Lake Wales area. The sheriff says getting drugs off Clay Countys streets couldnt have been done without the communitys help. Law enforcement arrests 83 people in Marion County involved in drug trafficking, 'My son didn't deserve this': Gainesville mother mourns 4-year-old son who drowned in pond, Three inmates treated after being found under-the-influence in a Columbia County prison, Ocala police uncover drug operation run by father and son during shooting investigation. 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 WebU.S. 2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. (Clay County Sheriff's Office), STAY UPDATED:Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on breaking stories. You may be offline. 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. 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. Copyright 2021 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved. 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. 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. Several arrested, including former NFL players father, in Bradford County drug ring bust, 'My son didn't deserve this': Gainesville mother mourns 4-year-old son who drowned in pond, Three inmates treated after being found under-the-influence in a Columbia County prison, Gainesville man arrested for pulling gun on his brother. Amanda Batchelor, Digital Executive Producer. They had 9.3 grams of marijuana, 1.6 grams of cocaine, 3.2 grams of Oxycodone pills, 3.5 grams of MDMA pills that test positive for methamphetamine and 2.3 grams of Tramadol pills. Download it here. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. Jul 23, 2021. Melonie Holt We cannot allow these Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter, Example video title will go here for this video. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. He allegedly had multiple "stash houses" in town that were raided by police who discovered drugs, cash and guns. Everything you need to know about the next launch and detailed coverage on space missions. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. Learn More. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 150 people were arrested, including two people from South Florida. 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 WebA man is in jail after the largest marijuana bust in Escambia County history. Reach out for help. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. More than 100 people have been arrested in the U.S., Europe and Australia in connection with a worldwide drug trafficking investigation stemming from sales on the Darknet. Are dogs allowed on the beach in Gulf Shores? In court records detailing several of the arrests, Kevin Choute of Tallahassee is named as the head of the ring. Everything you need to know about Florida's theme parks and the all-new Attractions Insider podcast! All rights reserved. Your browser does not support HTML5 audio. August 26, 2021 The Escambia County Sheriffs Office has announced the largest marijuana grow and distribution operation ever busted in Escambia County. 1:14. Two men from South Florida are among more than 100 people who were recently arrested in connection with a Darknet drug trafficking bust. While several arrests were made in Tallahassee, a large part of the operation ran through Gadsden County. 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. They also found $4,557 in cash inside the house. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. All 32 people said to be involved in the drug trafficking operation face a total of 301 felonies and 134 misdemeanors. One of the accounts was operated out of the Miami area and the other out of the Providence, Rhode Island, area.. 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. 2023 www.tallahassee.com. Authorities said Spencer, Dawodu and Alex Ogando, 35, of Providence, Rhode Island, advertised and sold pressed fentanyl pills throughout the U.S. In a news conference, This all happened less than 400 feet from Pleasant Hill Baptist Church which is an additional charge because it was within 1,000 feet. Copyright 2021 WCJB. Contact Karl Etters at ketters@tallahassee.com or @KarlEtters on Twitter. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Stephanie Bryan of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Nevada Democrats face brewing civil war ahead of, Have a tax filing extension this year? Reach out to your local police department, your sheriffs office, ask for that help. All 32 people said to be involved in the drug trafficking operation face a total of 301 felonies and 134 misdemeanors. 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. Illegal drugs ruin lives, destroy families, drive up property crime, and wreck neighborhoods. One of 44 suspects arrested in sweeping drug bust in Clay County. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. You can watch the full news conference below: Breaking news and weather alerts:Get the free 10 Tampa Bay app, Stay In the Know! Subscribe to 104.5 WOKV newsletter(Opens a new window), 104.5 WOKV facebook feed(Opens a new window), 104.5 WOKV twitter feed(Opens a new window), 104.5 WOKV instagram feed(Opens a new window). Inside the vehicle, deputies located: Daniel Lamb was issued a criminal citation for Operating a Motor Vehicle with a suspended license and was released from the scene. 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WebRecent Posts. Our community is safer because of the outstanding work by our detectives. Grady Judd, Sheriff, Tampa Bay Florida's #1 Hit Music Channel and home of The joe Show, PCSO charges 32 suspects during Operation Bell Gang Blues, a 16-month investigation of illegal drug trafficking. It amazes me that some people still think drug traffickers are somehow low-level, non-violent criminals. I know my community very well, I am aware of my surroundings, I know the area the drugs were confiscated, and I know the Sheriff's Office is working hard to make change for the community, she 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. Drugs dont just affect one person. 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. DeSantis responds to St. Pete Mayor Kriseman's criticisms: 'How did I politicize red tide? Enable our Skill today to listen live at home on your Alexa Devices! Drug-resistant stomach bug spreading across US: Serious public health alert. 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.