recent drug bust in florida 2021 recent drug bust in florida 2021

In the largest methamphetamine seizure in Miami-Dade County history, law enforcement agents seized Copyright 2021 WCJB. Related story: Ocala police uncover drug operation run by father and son during shooting investigation. Cox Media Group. In a news conference, Sheriff Grady Judd said drugs like marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines and ecstacy were taken from the Lake Wales area. Two people, including the father of former Florida State and NFL player Letroy Guion, were charged for selling cocaine. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. WebPolk Sheriff talks about major drug bust and makes up a rap verse. 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. All 32 people said to be involved in the drug trafficking operation face a total of 301 felonies and 134 misdemeanors. Investigators say Vincent Thomas, 35, and Patrick Field, 34, were also considered main distributors in the area. We will never know the lives saved through this investigation.. 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. Authorities said Spencer, Dawodu and Alex Ogando, 35, of Providence, Rhode Island, advertised and sold pressed fentanyl pills throughout the U.S. What is a COVID-19 vaccine 'breakthrough' case? Everything you love about wokv.com and more! Operation Hammer and Hope (Clay County Sheriff's Office). New Zealand police find 3.5 tons of cocaine in Pacific Ocean. One of the top suspects was murdered during the investigation, which began in June, and his son was charged in another murder. One of 44 suspects arrested in sweeping drug bust in Clay County. WebWhile searching the house, police found fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, the sheriff's office said. Ketchum was observed exiting the vehicle and entering the home. 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. 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. To keep up with the latest local news subscribe to our TV20 newsletter HERE and receive news straight to your email every morning. FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said those arrested had 93 prior drug arrests, including some federal, 67 prior violentcrime arrests and 175 prior felony counts. PCSO charges 32 suspects during Operation Bell Gang Blues, a 16-month investigation of illegal drug traffickingPhoto: Polk County Sheriffs Office. They cause crime, that crime creates additional victims. The vehicle traveled down Veterans Blvd until a deputy was able to make a traffic stop. Residents like Tasia Beener said they are glad the Sheriff's Office is trying to get drugs off the streets. 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. The SWAT team made entry to the home after knocking and announcing who they were. 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. While several arrests were made in Tallahassee, a large part of the operation ran through Gadsden County. "We put your tail in the county jail. The two drugs that we were keying in on which was the crystal meth and also the fenatyl. Copyright 2023 Waterman Broadcasting of Florida, LLC, Home News Local Gateway family busted with cocaine & fentanyl in major drug operation. Out of those 900 cases, 119 people lost their lives. 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. VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office arrested 16 people on drugs charges during busts this week. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of various narcotics and ties to a local drug house. Everything you need to know about the next launch and detailed coverage on space missions. 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. All rights reserved. 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. 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 Narcotics detectives also located 24 Buprenorphine films inside the vehicle Kellie Coe was driving. 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. These young individuals are wasting their lives and risking the lives of others peddling this poison.. 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. Jul 23, 2021. The sheriff said during the news conference that they also raided a Gateway home on Avalon Lake Circle. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. Two men from South Florida are among more than 100 people who were recently arrested in connection with a Darknet drug trafficking bust. 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. 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. 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. Perez said suspects would come to Tallahassee to conduct business then hide out in Gadsden where there are fewer law enforcement resources. Contact Karl Etters at ketters@tallahassee.com or @KarlEtters on Twitter. Gabriel Cossio, Gabriel Cossio Jr., Melissa Cossio, Jesus Cossio, Aaron Pruitt, and Christopher Ramirez were all arrested on drug charges. WebLAKE COUNTY, Fla. A man from Lake County could face life in prison after getting arrested on federal drug conspiracy charges, according to the U.S. Attorneys office. A cocaine/heroin/fentanyl mixture weighed in at 189.5 grams. Drug trafficking impacts entire communities with violence and frequency of drug use, he said. One of the accounts was operated out of the Miami area and the other out of the Providence, Rhode Island, area.. Two men from South Florida are among more than 100 people who were recently arrested in connection with a Darknet drug trafficking bust. Learn More. 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? WebA man is in jail after the largest marijuana bust in Escambia County history. 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. Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken spoke about this drug epidemic in the city during the press conference. Port Charlotte, FL - March 2, 2023 Deputies approaching a vehicle interrupted a passenger attempting to inject Heroin during a traffic stop. 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. The sheriff said during the news conference that they also raided a Gateway WebCLAY COUNTY, Fla. The Clay County Sheriffs Office said Thursday 44 people are behind bars following a massive drug bust. All Rights Reserved. The deputy immediately removed Ketchum from the vehicle and placed her into custody. 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. 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. 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. 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. (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. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 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. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 150 people were arrested, including two people from South Florida. STARKE, Fla. (WCJB) - The Starke Police Department arrested eight people in connection with a drug distribution ring early Monday morning. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. All 32 people said to be involved in the drug trafficking operation face a total of 301 felonies and 134 misdemeanors. Tune in to FOX 35 Orlando for the latest Central 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. He said much of the violent activity connected to the drug ring happened in the rural county west of Tallahassee. Left lane blocked due to crash on I-295 Southbound after Exit 41 FL-105 Heckscher Dr. Left lane blocked due to crash on FL-202 Butler Blvd Eastbound at Belfort Rd. Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. PCSO charges 32 suspects during Operation Bell Gang Blues, a 16-month investigation of Those arrested on various drug-related charges include Raymond TRENDING STORY: Gainesville man arrested for pulling gun on his brother. You can watch the full news conference below: Breaking news and weather alerts:Get the free 10 Tampa Bay app, Stay In the Know! 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. Copyright 2021 WCJB. 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 search of the vehicle led to the discovery of various narcotics and ties to a local drug house. According to the sheriff's office, the group was attempting to traffic drugs with a total street value of $283,820. LEE COUNTY, Fla. Six people were arrested in a massive drug bust at an auto body shop in Lee County. 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. There were more than 100 charges from the cases, including over 80 felonies. Download it here. I believe that if we try hard enough we can do anything, Douglas said. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. 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, VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office arrested 16 people on drugs charges during busts this week. Thomas' father, Earl Thomas, 67, was also among those arrested. 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 9mm handgun was also seized during the operation, investigators said. 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. Some will face prosecution at the circuit level while some are likely to face statewide prosecutors. 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. Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter, Example video title will go here for this video. WebU.S. 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 Melonie Holt We cannot allow these 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). The passenger, identified as 34-year-old Cassidy Ketchum, and driver, identified as Daniel Lamb, left approximately 20 minutes after arriving. A man in south Florida died from a brain-eating infection last month after using tap water during sinus rinses, according to FOX 4. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Deputies approaching a vehicle interrupted a passenger attempting to inject Heroin during a traffic stop. According to Judd, McClain told investigators he dyed the methamphetamines blue in recognition of the Democratic Party. Five of the eight people were arrested for possession and intent to distribute meth. Amanda Batchelor, Digital Executive Producer. DeSantis responds to St. Pete Mayor Kriseman's criticisms: 'How did I politicize red tide? Once she returned, the vehicle left. Additionally, more than 10 grams of Fentanyl, 7.4 grams of Methamphetamines, Hydromorphone pills, Cannabis and several loaded syringes containing Fentanyl were discovered. The suspects from South Florida were identified by authorities as Luis Spencer, 31, and Olatunji Dawodu, 36, both of who are from Fort Lauderdale. 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. Despite 32 people being charged, only 29 have been arrested, according to the sheriff's office. 1:14. Jack Campbell, the state attorney for the Second Judicial Circuit, said one of his prosecutors, Adrian Mood, and Guillermo Vallejo with the Office of Statewide Prosecution, had both been "cross sworn" as it was being determined where the criminal cases would fall in the court system. 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. 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. 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. We can help you take control and power away from the drug dealer and in so doing, maybe save your own life or the life of somebody else, Balken said. Why you shouldnt, Pensacola International Airport Travelcast Live Camera, PSGs Hakimi given preliminary charges on rape allegation, Skier Shiffrin locks up overall title, still chases, Olympic ticket sales for Paris Games gets off to, Scherzer tests pitch clock limits, gets quick-pitch, 7 Cubs pitchers combine for no-hitter vs Machado,, Meet the Gulf Coast CW Host: Theo Williams, The 5th Annual Mac and Cheese Festival headlines, The Mac and Cheese Festival is this weekend and were, WWE Hall of Famer The Honky Tonk Man joins Gulf Coast, Rich Harmon from CWs The 100 and the final season, Pensacon 2023: Highlights from the Gulf Coasts biggest, Best athletic wear for kids joining baseball and, How to watch all the Oscar-nominated movies in style, Best smart home devices for older users, according, High interest rates, car prices lead to record loans,, What is a JDM car, and how did they become popular, 3 reasons you shouldnt wait to file taxes this year. Sign up below to be added to our mailing list for the latest news updates, access to exclusive contests, and more! Deputies and detectives from the West Volusia Narcotics Task Force and Deltona Narcotics Enforcement Team were part of the operation. Nearly 2 dozen arrested in Delaware drug bust. Major drug dealer arrested, more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana seized Aug 26, 2021 / 07:59 Drug-resistant stomach bug spreading across US: Serious public health alert. All rights reserved. Are dogs allowed on the beach in Gulf Shores? 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. This afternoon Im at @ocalapd for a press conference with UDEST to speak on the opioid epidemic and the arrest of 83 people involved with drugs in Marion Co. @WCJB20 @MCSOFlorida pic.twitter.com/3qW2x9taCc. 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. The Oscars will air on ABC and can be streamed on ABC.com and the ABC app as well as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV or FuboTV. This all happened less than 400 feet from Pleasant Hill Baptist Church which is an additional charge because it was within 1,000 feet. 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. According to authorities, U.S. authorities teamed up with Europol to make the Operation Dark HunTor arrests. To keep up with the latest local news subscribe to our TV20 newsletter HERE and receive news straight to your email every morning. 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. He allegedly had multiple "stash houses" in town that were raided by police who discovered drugs, cash and guns. You may be offline. Most of these suspects are gang members and contributed to violent crimes, Perez said. During a press conference Thursday morning, Judd said earlier this year the Polk County Sheriffs Office High Florida Department of Law Enforcement Special Agent Mark Perez said they were independent organizations that shared suppliers and dealers that ensured a steady supply of drugs in North Florida.. 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. Cocaine, heroin, pot, $30K seized; at least six arrested as FDLE breaks up alleged drug ring, Federal prisons employee indicted in large-scale dog-fighting ring, Eight more charged in Panhandle drug ring, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy, Kevin Kwame Choute, 32,Tallahassee:Charged with armed trafficking of heroin, armed trafficking of cocaine, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, conspiracy to traffic in heroin, conspiracy to traffic in cocaine, conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, Aaprie Mitchell, 39, Tallahassee:Charged with trafficking in cocaine and conspiracy to traffic in cocaine, Carlos Cromartie, 41,Tallahassee:Charged with trafficking in cocaine, conspiracy to traffic in cocaine, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, Cedric Bernard Thomas, 39, Tallahassee:Charged with trafficking in cocaine and tampering with evidence, Charles Edward Williams III, 30, Tallahassee:Charged with possession of marijuana more than 28 grams and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Chris Patrick Gilyard Jr., 29, Tallahassee: Charged with trafficking in cocaine, conspiracy to traffic in cocaine, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, Cody Marcell Zellars, 27, Midway:Charged with trafficking in cocaine, Cortez Johnson, 34,Panama City:Charged with trafficking in cocaine, conspiracy to traffic in cocaine, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, Danate Miller, 45, Midway:Charged with trafficking in cocaine, conspiracy to traffic in cocaine, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, Darryl Crafton, 34, Oceanside, California:Charged with trafficking in cocaine, conspiracy to traffic in cocaine, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, David Mitchell, 37, Fort Pierce:Charged with trafficking in cocaine, conspiracy to traffic in cocaine, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, Dominic Rosier, 34, Tallahassee: Charged with trafficking in cocaine, conspiracy to traffic in cocaine, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, Donald Ray Ivory Jr., 52, Midway: Charged with trafficking in cocaine, conspiracy to traffic in cocaine, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, Duran Antwan Bethea, 36, Orlando:Charged with possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of Alpha PVP with intent to distribute, and providing false information to law enforcement, Christopher Hoardes, 27, Tallahassee: Charged with trafficking in cocaine, conspiracy to traffic in cocaine, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, Alexander Samuel Holmes, 29, Tallahassee: Charged with trafficking in cocaine, conspiracy to traffic in cocaine, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, JaMario Raequan Paramore, 25, Tallahassee:Charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, trafficking in cocaine, conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine, conspiracy to traffic in cocaine, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, Keith Times, 44, Tallahassee: Charged with felon in possession of a firearm, trafficking in amphetamine, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, Kristy Chambers, 43, Tallahassee:Charged with trafficking in amphetamine and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, Michael 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, Tallahassee: Charged with trafficking in cocaine, conspiracy to traffic in cocaine, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, Rashard Jamell Jackson, 32, Midway:Charged with trafficking in cocaine, conspiracy to traffic in cocaine, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, Richard Fruggiero, 28, Tallahassee:Charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, Sharika Shawnque Houston, 30, Tallahassee: Charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, Stephon Jarod Williams, 33,Tallahassee: Charged with possession of marijuana more than 28 grams and possession of drug Paraphernalia, Quentin Travelle Gamble, 32,Tallahassee: Charged with trafficking in cocaine, conspiracy to traffic in cocaine, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, Willie Ardnes Baker, 59, Tallahassee: Charged with possession of crack cocaine.