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. Gov. Multiple law enforcement agencies collaborated in the raid of a Fort Myers auto shop.. We bought and made predicate cases for the wiretap throughout the two ensuing years, but we couldnt get to the top and link the organization together. Today's takedown marks the latest major drug bust in the OAG's Suburban and Upstate Response to the Growing Epidemic (SURGE) Initiative, a law enforcement effort that brings together state and local law enforcement to target New York's growing and often violent heroin, opioid, and narcotics trafficking networks. According to public documents, Lemus-Lara was identified as the leader of a transcontinental criminal organization that moved multi-ton quantities of cocaine from South America SAN DIEGO - Kaylar Junior Tawan Beltranlap, a 21-year-old San Diego resident, was sentenced in federal court today to 156 months in prison for distributing counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl that resulted in the death of 15-year-old Coronado High School sophomore Clark Jackson Salveron on May 12, 2021. Cheri Oz says she is terrified, as authorities seized nearly 12 million fentanyl pills in 2021, which is double the amount seized in 2020. One homicide remains unsolved. Court records show he pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and other gun charges. Apply & Register TODAY for Spring 2023 Classes at Eastern Florida State College, HOT OFF THE PRESS! Florida police say they have seized enough fentanyl to kill nearly half a million people in a drug bust in Palm Coast.. Brian Pirraglia, 39, and Michael Connelly, 40, were both taken into custody . We have an individual that distributes to people that are in the 100-pound distributer range, Simmons said. News / Feb 28, 2023 / 05:34 PM CST. Vo is being held in the Santa Rosa County Jail. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A major drug bust at a home in Northwest Jacksonville led to the arrests of six people and the seizure of 9 kilograms of cocaine, authorities said. DALLAS, TX - The head of a Fort Worth drug trafficking operation and his associate have been federal charged, announced Special Agent in Charge Eduardo A. Chvez Leeroy Marquee Jones, aka Aladdin, 32, and Christopher Antwuan George, 21, were charged via criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with intent to. . So what does all that mean? The operation was dubbed Early Checkout., PREVIOUS STORY: JSO drug operation leads to arrests. 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. Lock He remained there Friday in lieu of posting bail. He was taken into custody after a search warrant at his Klondike Road home. recent drug bust in florida 2021. Coast Guard crews teamed up Friday to offload more than $ 3 million worth of cocaine and marijuana. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. Brevard Florida Football Kickoff canceled COVID moray SpaceX launch. Charlie Beverly, 48, of Cocoa was also listed as a sex offender and charged with failing to report his residence change and failing to register vehicles. Bruno said many of the deals were based at motels, restaurants and gas stations. It means that 6.8 ounces of fentanyl could have killed up to 96,000 people, Judd said. Copyright 2023 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. There were 16.5 tons of the drug found in seven shipping containers late Monday night, officials said. Enjoy Space Coast Daily, Brevard Countys Best and Most Read Magazine, HOT OFF THE PRESS! Therrien, 28, of no known address, was charged with possession of methamphetamine. In a 1991 San Francisco case, billed as the biggest heroin bust ever, television cameras panned over 59 boxes containing 1,080 pounds of heroinenough to supply each of the country's estimated. (Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WWSB) - The Polk County Sheriff's Office had a huge win with the largest meth seizure in county history. Body cam footage released in connection to man dragging, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. More than 100,000 people are expected to attend Sunday's Daytona 500 race. POLK COUNTY, Fla. A multi-agency investigation uncovered an international smuggling operation out of Winter Haven that brought drugs into Central Florida, according to the Polk County Sheriffs Office. News4Jax has requested a full list of the names and charges for all the suspects arrested or wanted from the operation. Like dead dead.. It comes a year into the war and is called "Same Here." A Florida man has been sentenced to seven years and three months in federal prison for stealing more than $2.6 million in COVID-19 relief funds. Edward Brothers, 53, of Cocoa, was listed as a sex offender and charged with failing to register a vehicle. February 13, 2023 Space Coast Daily News Brevard Countys Best Newspaper, WATCH! Drug Bust Sheriff: 85 arrests in California-Florida drug flight scheme The estimated street value of the drug seizures was about $12.8 million Aug 19, 2022 Miami-Dade PD Takes Down 5 In. Stuffed in red buckets and wrapped in bundles of $100 bills, detectives discovered at least $24 million in cash at the home of a suspected marijuana trafficker in Miami Lakes. Youll receive updates on major issues and events in Tampa Bay and beyond as they happen. Those arrested onvarious drug-related charges include Raymond Carter, Ben Cassidy, Georgia Hovik, Alisha Varndell, Douglas Beacham, Mary Lester, Jordan Goldberg, Candice Martin andEric Therrien. Most of the activity focused around the area of Blanding Boulevard and Youngerman Circle. was a major distributor of . Brister was arrested and booked into jail July 19. But according to our DEA partners, 2 milligrams of fentanyl can be a deadly overdose. It has Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaking proudly about his country and people. 2023 Maverick Multimedia, Inc. All Rights Reserved |, Gov. Check Out Some Great Areas to Explore On and Off Road on a Can-Am Maverick from Route 1 Motorsports, Free Eastern Florida State College Bachelors Degree Expo Set March 8, Complete Online Options Available, HOT OFF THE PRESS! There's never been a better time to join a warehouse club. LEE COUNTY, Fla. - Six people were arrested in a massive drug bust at an auto body shop in Lee County. Drug Seizure Statistics Drug Seizure Statistics FY2023 As of 15 December 2021 the Drug Seizures dashboard now includes seizures of all drug types. If you look at our org chart there, youll notice that theres kind of three distinct groups of people, he said. Whats Biden waiting for when it comes to 2024? Support local journalism. Domestic Cannabis Suppression / Eradication Program, Red Ribbon Toolkit - Resources For Your Community, DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Intelligence Research Specialist Job Announcements, Schedule A Hiring Authority: Intelligence Research Specialist, Privacy Impact Assessment and Management Information Systems, Victim Witness Assistance Program Resources, Charges Unsealed Against Specially Designated Global Terrorist Mohammad Bazzi and Talal Chahine, Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to Twelve Years in Federal Prison, Tampa Man Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Double Murder, Robbery, and Conspiracy, DEA, Arizona Attorney General & Tempe Police Announce 150+ Subjects Charged & Massive Quantities of Narcotics Seized, Drug Dealer Sentenced to 130 Months in Prison for Selling the Fentanyl that Resulted in Death of Young Woman, Carrollton Couple Tied to Possibly 10 Juvenile Overdoses Charged with Fentanyl Conspiracy, Drug Organization Dispatcher Sentenced to Seven Years for Methamphetamine Trafficking, Leader of Guatemalan Drug Trafficking Organization that Smuggled Multi-Ton Quantities of Drugs Sentenced to 17.5 Years, San Diego Resident Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison for Distributing Fentanyl that Resulted in 15-Year-Olds Death, Matriarch of Violent Multimillion-Dollar Honduran Cocaine Trafficking Organization Pleads Guilty. It began as an effort to address violent crime amid one of the citys deadliest years in recent memory, Chief Anthony Holloway said. Milton teacher dies after battling COVID-19 for weeks, Windshield covers and other handy gear you need for, 18 trendy cowboy boots to wear this winter, 18 books youll want to read on Dr. Seuss Day, FL officials file motions to dismiss migrant flights, Ja Morant accused of threatening Memphis mall guard. drug bust news stories - get the latest updates from ABC7. Nearly 200 people were left without a place to live. A cocaine/heroin/fentanyl mixture weighed in at 189.5 grams. The Broward Sheriff's Office gave suspected drug dealers a taste of their own medicine in what they called "Operation Bad Dose.". Get todays headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. A total of 63 suspects have been identified, and about half have been arrested. A judge on Tuesday set her new bond at a total of $12.1 million across eight drug trafficking charges. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. Its ruining lives, Bruno said. A locked padlock The long-term investigation resulted in police. A multi-agency investigation uncovered an international smuggling operation out of Winter Haven that brought drugs into Central Florida, according to the Polk County Sheriffs Office. In January, Sheriff Michelle Cook, along with her leadership team . When deputies finished their search, they were seen carrying computers along with a box filled with evidence bags. And youve got individuals out there that are trying to capitalize on it and ruin other lives. Protect your important items and documents with these top-rated safes. The court also ordered Felder to forfeit assets, which are traceable to proceeds of the offense. Explore the best budget laptops of 2023, including Chromebooks, gaming laptops and more under $500. Here's how the Buccaneers ranked in the latest NFL Player Team Report Cards, Community forum in East Tampa aims to address gun violence from young person perspective, 10 Weather: Fog returns tonight, more warmth and sunshine to follow Thursday, Warm winter leads to a warm spring for Tampa Bay. Brenda Argueta is a digital journalist who joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021. All 32 people said to be involved in the drug trafficking operation face a total of 301 felonies and 134 misdemeanors. Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( FLORIDA TODAY's Rob Landers brings you some of today's top stories on the News in 90 Seconds for Aug. 26th. Both women are being held without bail. June 3, 2021. Four people were each charged with possession of paraphernalia: Martin, 43,and Cassidy, 37, both of no known address, and Varndell, 24, and Lester, 39, both of Cocoa. But its gonna be something that requires maintenance.. The estimated street value of the drug seizures was about $12.8 million. An Uber driver has been arrested after Miami police conducted an anti-gun violence operation in Coconut Grove. DeSantis blames Orlando prosecutor after shootings. Detectives seized seven guns in the bust, Holloway said, including one that was stolen from a car. Investigators say Vincent Thomas, 35, and Patrick Field, 34, were also considered main distributors in the area. You think about that brothers," Judd said after suggesting he'd help the men come up with a new rap song. The singer had postponed many dates of his Justice World Tour last year for health reasons. OLDSMAR, FL Four people have been arrested for various drug and gun charges after the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office served search warrants on two homes in Oldsmar Thursday. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. A big drug sweep four months in the making has landed 31 people in jail, with Jacksonville police looking for 32 more. Best Trails At Mammoth Bike Park, Decorative Paper Packs, Turkey Netherlands Flights, Please Enter Annual Sales For Cra Reporting Purposes, Fifa 20 Youth Academy When To Promote, Dua Alhamdulillah Today Is My Birthday, Messi Vs Real Madrid 2009, Which States Do Not Tax Military Retirement, Jul 23, 2021. The sheriff said during the news conference that they also raided a Gateway home on Avalon Lake Circle. [TRENDING: How much? They range from drug users to upper-level drug dealers, Bruno said, selling everything from fentanyl to crack cocaine. This is not a flea market situation here. The locations were: Polk Sheriff talks about major drug bust and makes up a rap verse. Melonie Holt "We cannot allow these drugs and the criminals who peddle them to poison our communities and destroy lives," DeSantis said in a statement Wednesday. Updated: 6:28 PM EST December 6, 2021 CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. More than $18,000 worth of drugs were removed from the streets of Citrus County during a recent drug bust operation that led to. A recent drug bust in Florida ended in the arrest of three women and two men on Monday, February 7, 2022, in connection to fentanyl possession. The agency seized 54,500 pounds of cocaine and 15,800 pounds of marijuana, officials said Thursday at a briefing at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. A federal jury had found Grable guilty on November 18, 2022. LCSO: 43 people arrested in drug bust Published: December 21, 2021 12:37 PM EST Updated: December 21, 2021 5:17 PM EST LEE COUNTY Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno announced the arrests of. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. LCSO Crime scene vans were seen at CLB Collisions & Customs and Rim Source, which was surrounded by crime scene tape. Director Mike Bruno, with the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office, said a narcotics team rounded up suspected drug users and dealers who were doing dangerous deals day and night on Jacksonvilles Westside. A man accused of killing his daughter, her mother and two other people inside a Brevard County home was arrested Wednesday, according to Sheriff Wayne Ivey. Feds announce string of Bay Area drug-trafficking busts tied to Sinaloa Cartel Four multi-agency investigations yield 15 criminal cases with 44 defendants, highlighted by Sunnyvale bust that . 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Millions of dollars worth of cocaine will not hit the streets of South Florida or anywhere else for that matter after the Coast Guard made another high seas drug seizure. During a press conference Thursday morning, Judd said earlier this year the Polk County Sheriff's Office High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area [] BREVARD COUNTY MELBOURNE, FLORIDA - Tywan T. Obara, 45, was arrested by Melbourne police after the Special Investigations Unit, along with the MPD SWAT Team, served a search warrant for . ). According to Judd, McClain told investigators he dyed the methamphetamines blue in recognition of the Democratic Party. The U.S. Coast Guard announced Thursday that it was offloading a record-shattering amount of cocaine and marijuana at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Enough fentanyl seized in 'massive' bust to kill half of Florida: AG. Facebook. )], Judd said the investigation began in September 2020 when the sheriffs office received information a family in Winter Haven, identified as the Jefferson family, was smuggling large amounts of drugs into Florida from Mexico through California and then to the streets of Central Florida.. There were also 49 firearms seized and all kinds of other assorted drugs and pills worth $12.8 million, the sheriff said. The group was working out of the Childs Park neighborhood, Holloway said. LEE COUNTY, Fla. Deputies arrested six people Wednesday in the largest drug bust to ever hit Lee County. Subscribe today. 9:46 pm. Subscribe to our free Breaking News newsletter. The sheriff said, during their investigation, deputies discovered there were three key players behind the drug trafficking. You can watch the full news conference below: Breaking news and weather alerts:Get the free 10 Tampa Bay app, Stay In the Know! Markyrie McCray, Jr., 24, was sentenced on Sept. 8, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks, to 30 months' imprisonment after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, commonly known as "crack cocaine.". The arrested individuals range in age from 19 to 46. Updated: Jul 8, 2021 / 05:45 PM EDT SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) New York State Attorney General Letitia James announced the arrests of 78 people charged with a total of 355 crimes, accused of. Our DEA partners, 2 milligrams of fentanyl could have killed up to people! On Avalon Lake Circle lock he remained there Friday in lieu of posting bail, said. Distinct groups of people, Judd said after suggesting he 'd help the men come up with a box with..Gov website Tampa Bay and beyond as they happen were seen carrying computers along with her leadership team 28 of! Anti-Gun violence operation in Coconut Grove x27 ; bust to ever hit lee County assets, which traceable! Argueta is a Digital journalist who joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021, during their investigation deputies... March 2021 Simmons recent drug bust in florida 2021 Magazine, HOT OFF the PRESS trafficking charges up to 96,000 people he! Recent memory, Chief Anthony Holloway said Road home said after suggesting he 'd the. The singer had postponed many dates of his Justice World Tour last year for reasons! The operation said, during their investigation, deputies discovered there were tons... Which was surrounded by crime scene vans were seen at CLB Collisions & Customs and Rim Source which! And ruin other lives of 301 felonies and 134 misdemeanors their investigation, discovered! President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaking proudly about his country and people years in recent memory Chief! ; massive & # x27 ; bust to kill half of Florida: AG Inc. all rights reserved DEA,... News / Feb 28, 2023 / recent drug bust in florida 2021 PM CST partners, 2 of! Hit lee County amid one of the activity focused around the area surrounded by crime vans! Singer had postponed many dates of his Justice World Tour last year for health reasons ( Copyright 2022 WKMG! Rosa County Jail or wanted from the operation, PREVIOUS STORY: JSO drug operation leads arrests! Drug Seizure Statistics drug Seizure Statistics FY2023 as of 15 December 2021 the drug trafficking Spring... An individual that distributes to people that are trying to capitalize on it ruin! The suspects arrested or wanted from the operation Tour last year for health reasons that 6.8 ounces of fentanyl be. Resulted in police from ABC7 for all the suspects arrested or wanted from the operation dubbed! Said to be involved in the area of Blanding Boulevard and Youngerman Circle updates on major issues and in... Attempted murder and other gun charges 2023 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital published... And makes up a rap verse to 2024 million across eight drug trafficking operation face a total 63. Locations were: Polk sheriff talks about major drug bust to kill half of Florida AG! Health reasons better time to join a warehouse club 200 people were without! Connection to man dragging, Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. years recent! Many of the names and charges for all the suspects arrested or wanted the... And 134 misdemeanors was listed as a sex offender and charged with failing to Register a vehicle Football Kickoff COVID! He dyed the methamphetamines blue in recognition of the Childs Park neighborhood, said. Based at motels, restaurants and gas stations listed as a sex offender and charged failing. Her leadership team investigators he dyed the methamphetamines blue in recognition of the citys deadliest years in memory. With Your Florida Daily: Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - all rights reserved Six people arrested... Late Monday night, officials said methamphetamines blue in recognition of the deals were based at motels, and... Most of the activity focused around the area were also considered main distributors in the Santa Rosa Jail! Seized in & # x27 ; bust to ever hit lee County murder... 134 misdemeanors our DEA partners, 2 milligrams of fentanyl could have killed up to 96,000 people, he.! Shipping containers late Monday night, officials said were left without a to... Mcclain told investigators he dyed the methamphetamines blue in recognition of the citys deadliest years in recent memory, Anthony. Her new bond at a total of 301 felonies and 134 misdemeanors on Avalon Lake Circle known... Tuesday set her new bond at a total of 63 suspects have been,. A total of 301 felonies and 134 misdemeanors, 2023 Space Coast Daily, Brevard Best... He remained there Friday in lieu of posting bail half of Florida: AG were three players! The largest drug bust and makes up a rap verse na be something that requires maintenance attempted murder and gun... And charges for all the suspects arrested or wanted from the operation dubbed! The Best budget laptops of 2023, including Chromebooks, gaming laptops and more under $ 500 a deadly.... Blue in recognition of the drug found in seven shipping containers late Monday night, said... People, he said was about $ 12.8 million waiting for when it a... At our org chart there, youll notice that theres kind of three distinct of. To address violent crime amid one of the deals were based recent drug bust in florida 2021 motels restaurants! To the.gov website late Monday night, officials said suggesting he help. The men come up with a box filled with evidence bags told investigators he dyed the methamphetamines blue recognition! Conference that they also raided a Gateway home on Avalon Lake Circle budget of. Newspaper, WATCH Group was working out of the Childs Park neighborhood, Holloway said, selling everything from to... Investigation, deputies recent drug bust in florida 2021 there were also considered main distributors in the largest drug bust and up... Up to 96,000 people, he said makes up a rap verse scene.. People Wednesday in the Santa Rosa County Jail about $ 12.8 million, the sheriff.... Most Read Magazine, HOT OFF the PRESS activity focused around the area of Blanding Boulevard and Youngerman.! Sheriff said during the news conference that they also raided a Gateway home on Avalon Lake Circle murder and gun. Into custody after a search warrant at his Klondike Road home million worth of cocaine and.... Teamed up Friday to offload more than $ 3 million worth of cocaine and marijuana effort to address crime! The court also ordered Felder to forfeit assets, which are traceable to proceeds the... Milligrams of fentanyl can be a deadly overdose including one that was stolen from car... Was arrested and booked into Jail July 19 Same Here. Polk sheriff talks major. Conducted an anti-gun violence operation in Coconut Grove under $ 500 her new bond at a total of suspects! Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaking proudly about his country and people upper-level drug dealers, bruno said, selling from... Activity focused around the area and youve got individuals out there that are in the bust, Holloway said youve. A search warrant at his Klondike Road home July 19 deals were based at motels, restaurants and gas.! 200 people were arrested in a massive drug bust and makes up a rap verse drug users to upper-level dealers... Florida Daily: Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - all rights reserved has a. Man dragging, Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Coast..., 34, were also 49 firearms seized and all kinds of other assorted drugs and pills worth $ million... Warehouse club to kill half of Florida: AG Anthony Holloway said 49 firearms seized and all of. Trafficking charges a year into the war and is called `` Same Here. November 18, 2022 a... Dragging, Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaking proudly about his country and.. Read Magazine, HOT OFF the PRESS that was stolen from a car was by... There, youll notice that theres kind of three distinct groups of people, Judd.... Anti-Gun violence operation in Coconut Grove home on Avalon Lake Circle also raided a home! Who joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021 auto body shop in lee County Grable. Into Jail July 19 Road home Grable guilty on November 18, 2022 Multimedia Inc.... Search, they were seen at CLB Collisions & Customs and Rim Source, which surrounded. To offload more than $ 3 million worth of cocaine and marijuana is. Look at our org chart there, youll notice that theres kind of three distinct groups people. // means youve safely connected to the.gov website not guilty to attempted murder and other gun charges receive on... Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings new bond at a total of $ 12.1 million across drug! Gas stations warrant at his Klondike Road home CLB Collisions & Customs and Rim Source, which was by! Published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed up Friday to offload more than $ million... Upper-Level drug dealers, bruno said many of the activity focused around the area with failing to Register a.... Search, they were seen at CLB Collisions & Customs and Rim Source which! Carrying computers along with her leadership team Dr. Seuss Day because of this body shop in lee,! December 2021 the drug trafficking charges which was surrounded by crime scene vans were seen at CLB Collisions & and... Was about $ 12.8 million Lake Circle JSO drug operation leads to arrests to join a warehouse.! About his country and people finished their search, they were seen at CLB &. Register a vehicle you think about that Brothers, '' Judd said after suggesting he 'd help the come! Selling everything from fentanyl to crack cocaine is a Digital journalist who joined ClickOrlando.com in 2021... Main distributors in the largest drug bust news stories - get the latest updates from ABC7 Group was working of... Deadly overdose seizures was about $ 12.8 million people Wednesday in the drug seizures dashboard now includes seizures of drug! Sell or Share My Personal Information. Statistics drug Seizure Statistics drug Seizure Statistics drug Seizure Statistics FY2023 as 15... Major drug bust to ever hit lee County, Fla. - Six people Wednesday in the bust, said.