Copyright 2021 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved. WebMiami-Dade PD Takes Down 5 In Drug Bust Near Kendall School, Confiscating Duffle Bags, Coolers Full Of Narcotics. TRENDING STORY: Gainesville man arrested for pulling gun on his brother. He allegedly had multiple "stash houses" in town that were raided by police who discovered drugs, cash and guns. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2021 WCJB. One of the top suspects was murdered during the investigation, which began in June, and his son was charged in another murder. 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. While several arrests were made in Tallahassee, a large part of the operation ran through Gadsden County. All rights reserved. Additionally, more than 10 grams of Fentanyl, 7.4 grams of Methamphetamines, Hydromorphone pills, Cannabis and several loaded syringes containing Fentanyl were discovered. Illegal drugs ruin lives, destroy families, drive up property crime, and wreck neighborhoods. FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said those arrested had 93 prior drug arrests, including some federal, 67 prior violentcrime arrests and 175 prior felony counts. Most of these suspects are gang members and contributed to violent crimes, Perez said. 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. The sheriff said during the news conference that they also raided a Gateway 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. STARKE, Fla. (WCJB) - The Starke Police Department arrested eight people in connection with a drug distribution ring early Monday morning. Melonie Holt We cannot allow these Jul 23, 2021. 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. A 9mm handgun was also seized during the operation, investigators said. Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter, Example video title will go here for this video. Thomas' father, Earl Thomas, 67, was also among those arrested. When deputies finished their search, they were seen carrying computers along with a box filled with evidence bags. All Rights Reserved. In total, nearly 30 pounds of cocaine, half a pound of meth, more than a pound of brown heroin, three ounces of black tar heroin, two ounces of Fentanyl, $330,000 in cash, nine firearms and three stolen vehicles were seized by investigators. Operation Hammer and Hope (Clay County Sheriff's Office). 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. The suspects from South Florida were identified by authorities as Luis Spencer, 31, and Olatunji Dawodu, 36, both of who are from Fort Lauderdale. Investigators say Vincent Thomas, 35, and Patrick Field, 34, were also considered main distributors in the area. 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. He said much of the violent activity connected to the drug ring happened in the rural county west of Tallahassee. 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. Spencer, Dawodu and Ogandoare charged in the District of Columbia withconspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. 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 01, 2021. 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. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 150 people were arrested, including two people from South Florida. Nearly 2 dozen arrested in Delaware drug bust. 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. August 26, 2021 The Escambia County Sheriffs Office has announced the largest marijuana grow and distribution operation ever busted in Escambia County. WebLee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said this is one of the largest drug busts in LCSO history. CLAY COUNTY, Fla. The Clay County Sheriffs Office said Thursday 44 people are behind bars following a massive drug bust. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. From left: Luis Spencer, 31, and Olatunji Dawodu, 36. Ketchum was observed exiting the vehicle and entering the home. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of various narcotics and ties to a local drug house. Are dogs allowed on the beach in Dauphin Island? Drug trafficking impacts entire communities with violence and frequency of drug use, he said. If you need help with the Public File, call (954) 364-2526. All 32 people said to be involved in the drug trafficking operation face a total of 301 felonies and 134 misdemeanors. Residents like Tasia Beener said they are glad the Sheriff's Office is trying to get drugs off the streets. In January, Sheriff Michelle Cook, along with By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. One of the accounts was operated out of the Miami area and the other out of the Providence, Rhode Island, area.. 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. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said a long-term drug investigation took down a major drug distribution ring in Jacksonville consisting of 27 arrests. On April 29 Are dogs allowed on the beach in Gulf Shores? 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. PCSO charges 32 suspects during Operation Bell Gang Blues, a 16-month investigation of 2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. The sheriff says getting drugs off Clay Countys streets couldnt have been done without the communitys help. 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. Despite 32 people being charged, only 29 have been arrested, according to the sheriff's office. Never miss a story: Subscribe to the Tallahassee Democrat using the link at the top of the page. 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. According to authorities, U.S. authorities teamed up with Europol to make the Operation Dark HunTor arrests. 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. Brown had an active warrant for trafficking in heroin. I believe that if we try hard enough we can do anything, Douglas said. Sign up below to be added to our mailing list for the latest news updates, access to exclusive contests, and more! 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. According to the sheriff's office, the group was attempting to traffic drugs with a total street value of $283,820. Cox Media Group. 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. Please check your connection and try again using the Retry button. To keep up with the latest local news subscribe to our TV20 newsletter HERE and receive news straight to your email every morning. All rights reserved. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. PUBLISHED 7:31 PM ET May. (Clay County Sheriff's Office), STAY UPDATED:Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on breaking stories. Copyright 2023 Local10.com is published by WPLG INC., a Berkshire Hathaway company. On April 29 and 30 deputies and investigators hit areas in DeLand and Deltona. 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. (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. Some will face prosecution at the circuit level while some are likely to face statewide prosecutors. Drug-resistant stomach bug spreading across US: Serious public health alert. Starke Chief of Police Jeff Johnson says that the main drugs that they were concerned with were meth and fentanyl. By Dave Huddleston, WSB-TV November 19, 2021 at 7:22 pm EST Thirteen people were arrested Thursday and more than $1 million were seized in a major drug bust that stretched from Athens to Atlanta. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Investigators added that more arrests are expected. Police say they are still looking for Mario Hankerson on a warrant for selling cocaine. Angela Dunklebarger, 49, Tavoris Jones, 37, and Reginald Phillips, 37, remain at large, according to law enforcement. Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil, who has championed a regional approach to curbing illegal drug activity, said law enforcement would remain relentless in pursuing people who bring harm to the community. 4 people were arrested and 6 animals were rescued at a recent drug bust in Vero Beach. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. Everything you need to know about the next launch and detailed coverage on space missions. 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. It amazes me that some people still think drug traffickers are somehow low-level, non-violent criminals. New Zealand police find 3.5 tons of cocaine in Pacific Ocean. LCSO Crime scene vans were seen at CLB Collisions & Customs and Rim Source, which was surrounded by crime scene tape. You may be offline. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Judd said the two were rappers and liked to show off the guns and jewelry they obtained. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said a long-term drug investigation took down a major drug distribution ring in Jacksonville According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 150 people were arrested, including two people from South Florida. 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 man in south Florida died from a brain-eating infection last month after using tap water during sinus rinses, according to FOX 4. Officials said that several suspects who were directly involved with opioid overdose death investigations were arrested. 1:14. There were more than 100 charges from the cases, including over 80 felonies. 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. We are going to go to every crevice, ever hole, every place where these individuals try to hide and we will root them out, he said. In this instance, eleven guns were in the hands of these felons two of which were stolen. 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? According to Judd, McClain told investigators he dyed the methamphetamines blue in recognition of the Democratic Party. 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. Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken spoke about this drug epidemic in the city during the press conference. Drugs dont just affect one person. Judd said James McClain, 34, was a major distributor of methamphetamines and marijuana in the Lake Wales area. Five of the eight people were arrested for possession and intent to distribute meth. 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. 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. They were also perpetrators of violence, Perez said. VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office arrested 16 people on drugs charges during busts this week. Two people, including the father of former Florida State and NFL player Letroy Guion, were charged for selling cocaine. Those arrested on various drug-related charges include Raymond The passenger, identified as 34-year-old Cassidy Ketchum, and driver, identified as Daniel Lamb, left approximately 20 minutes after arriving. 2023 www.tallahassee.com. Everything you love about wokv.com and more! 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. 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). 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. Tap on any of the buttons below to download our app. 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? Samantha Mathers is a digital reporter and content creator for Action News Jax. On March 1, 2023, Narcotics Detectives investigating several overdoses connected to 480 Fletcher Street Major drug dealer arrested, more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana seized Aug 26, 2021 / 07:59 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. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. 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. 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. Port Charlotte, FL - March 2, 2023 Deputies approaching a vehicle interrupted a passenger attempting to inject Heroin during a traffic stop. 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. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. One of 44 suspects arrested in sweeping drug bust in Clay County. Perez said suspects would come to Tallahassee to conduct business then hide out in Gadsden where there are fewer law enforcement resources. Two men from South Florida are among more than 100 people who were recently arrested in connection with a Darknet drug trafficking bust. 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 The vehicle traveled down Veterans Blvd until a deputy was able to make a traffic stop. 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. 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. In the largest methamphetamine seizure in Miami-Dade County history, law enforcement agents seized 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, Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. WebWhile searching the house, police found fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, the sheriff's office said. 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. WebU.S. 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. There will also be a no-questions-asked drug drop-off location. 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. These young individuals are wasting their lives and risking the lives of others peddling this poison.. 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.