Besides the meth, the DEA found more than 880 pounds of cocaine. 2023 Cable News Network. So these are high-level individuals.. A low level operative would not be trusted to hold $18 million of drugs in a house. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Residents want St. Petersburg leaders to restore, Odd spiral appears amid northern lights in Alaska, Pinellas County releases new proposed school times, Lawmakers and religious leaders vow to fight 6-week, Parents, experts, DCF debate staffing crisis with, Rep. Kathy Castor creates welcome center for migrants, I-275 lanes near Skyway Bridge reopened after vehicle, Used car shopping? This is enough dope to provide a dose of meth for every man, woman and child in the United States and Mexico, Shea said. appreciated. Did you encounter any technical issues? Those findings come as no surprise in Escambia. appreciated. The concern there is that they are very violent and theyre very aggressive and they are largely responsible for much of the meth in this country, said Shea. Thats when K9 Titan sniffed out 5.5 pounds of heroin worth in excess of $693,000. Deputies are looking for a hit-and-run driver after a crash Sunday night seriously injured a 67-year-old motorcyclist in Winter Haven. Did you encounter any technical issues? A Florida Highway Patrol trooper made the stop after observing a car going 25 miles per hour over the limit Saturday, the Santa Rosa County Sheriffs Office said. They were discovered hidden in a truck delivering medical supplies from Mexico. Fentanyl, often used to lace other drugs, is considered the deadliest drug in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drug Enforcement Administration agents seized more than 2,200 pounds of methamphetamine earlier this month, the largest haul in the agency's history domestically, according to officials. A 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. Between the fiscal years 2017-2019, DEA domestic seizures of meth increased 127% from 49,507 pounds to 112,146 pounds, according to the DEA. She graduated from UCF and returned to Central Florida after working in Colorado. One defendant allegedly mixed the powdered cocaine with horse tranquilizer to increase its volume, Stucker said. HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) A Florida K-9 helped make nearly a $700,000 drug bust during a traffic stop in Hernando County, troopers said. Get todays headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. Advertisement. This was a very different kind of operation. 11 Charged in 2-Year Investigation Into Bay Area, Central Florida Drug Ring By Dave Jordan Hillsborough County PUBLISHED 12:10 PM ET Sep. 03, 2020 PUBLISHED 12:10 PM EDT Sep. 03, 2020 So far, they have not filed charges. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. The clue? The massive stash included more than 23,000 pounds of cocaine and 8,800 pounds of pot, which was dumped by the US Coast Guard Cutter James at Port Everglades. CNN A Florida traffic stop turned into a surprise narcotics bust after police found what looked to be a bag full of drugs in the car. 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The drugs were seized on October 2. Huff is being held on $2.5 million bond, while both Walker and Wilborn are being held on just over $900,000 bond. CLERMONT, Fla. - Two people are behind bars after authorities in Lake County found drugs and firearms during a drug bust at a Clermont home. Ford gave details on a significant seizure of 235,000 milligrams fentanyl that took place this morning in Bay County. A search warrant was executed Thursday at the home on Van Buren Street in North Melbourne. Authorities find 3,100 pounds of meth and other drugs hidden in truckload of medical supplies, These two seizures are more than enough to provide a dose of meth, for every man, woman, and child in the United States and Mexico. Ron DeSantis struck back at Disney World Monday, announcing forthcoming legislative action that would void a development agreement that enshrined the corporate giant's self-governing power. Melbourne police say they seized heroin and cocaine from a home. That 1,600 grams of fentanyl is enough to kill 800,000, which is nearly every person from Escambia and the neighboring county, Walton, WEAR reported. )], 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.. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at his house and agents found 31 kilograms of meth, 756 grams of cocaine and about 523 grams of heroin. Thats worth repeating. Los Angeles, one of nine cities targeted by Operation Crystal Shield, is a hub for drug traffickers because of the proximity to numerous freeways and airports. MELBOURNE, Fla. - A four-month operation led to the discovery of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and more at a Brevard County home, according to the Melbourne Police Department. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. 7:33 PM EDT, Wed October 14, 2020. Florida bust: 85 arrested, $12.8M in drugs seized . Check out her best picks before buying anything. Police: 1 person dead, another hurt in Pinellas Park shooting, 1 person dead, another hurt in Pinellas Park apartment shooting, police say, 'This is tough': 3 killed, including 2 young children, in Hillsborough County fire, 10 Weather: Sunny skies and low humidity Tuesday, FWC: Boat captain killed by lightning strike in Brevard County. According to the Justice Department, between August 2021 and August 2022, 107,735 people died of drug overdoses in the United States, two-thirds primarily from fentanyl. 2023 Cable News Network. According to the State Attorney's Office, the operation took place over the last several months. 27-year federal prison sentence for Florida man convicted in massive drug bust Law enforcement agents said they also found more than $400,000 in cash. DEA images of the duffel bags the drugs were found in. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2023 Waterman Broadcasting of Florida, LLC, 41 arrested, over $600K in illegal drugs seized in multi-agency drug sting, Naples man sentenced to 25 years in prison for producing child porn, Cape Coral man arrested for trafficking slew of drugs on numerous occasions, University of Florida announces it will allow fans at football games at 20% capacity, Forecast: Quieter and less humid weather tomorrow, NBC2 tours destroyed Fort Myers Beach Town Hall before its torn down, Cape Coral man killed following early morning hit-and-run, Cape Coral retail center closes due to flooding. Residue amounts can be fatal.. Postal Service and other private carriers to ship cocaine from Puerto Rico to Central Florida, and then distribute it here and up the Eastern Coast, including Maine and New Jersey. Kari Belcher, 40, Christopher Belcher, 36, Derrick Higginbotham, 39, and Mary . Its a massive amount.. We asked BestReviews cooking expert Andrea Boudewijn for her best recommendations for Mothers Day gifts. ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - Federal and state officials said more than 339 kilos or 700 pounds of cocaine was seized and 35 people arrested in an international drug trafficking ring that shipped and distributed the drugs in Central Florida, and along the U.S. Eastern Coast. ). The spokesperson added that TSA security officers do not search for illegal drugs, but if found during the screening process, the TSA will refer the matter to law enforcement partners. 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. I believe that they do and they need to address it, he said. Both were arrested and delivered to the Hernando County Jail, charged with heroin trafficking, distribution of heroin and possession of a vehicle for drug trafficking. Detectives said the organization was obtaining large quantities of drugs from overseas and distributing them throughout Brevard County, which is about 50 miles east of Orlando. EL PASO, Texas - The leader of a large-scale drug trafficking organization was sentenced in a federal court in El Paso Thursday to life in prison. A search warrant was. Here are seven restaurants within Central Florida that provide meals, drinks and stunning waterfront views. They arrested 18 people, many who face charges of selling or buying drugs. The street value of drugs confiscated by Florida authorities is over $12.8 Million. The operation began in Fort Myers in early 2019 and focused on finding drug suppliers in the city, authorities said. According to the Houston Chronicle, among the posts by Perry was a June 2020 one where Perry compared the "Black Lives Matter movement to . Officials have detained suspects and will continue to make arrests as the investigation continues. The Florida Highway Patrol said in a news release Tuesday night that K-9 Titan and a trooper made the big bust on Tuesday afternoon. Example video title will go here for this video. Police seized multiple vehicles, drugs, and over $100,000 in cash during an early morning drug bust in Clermont on Friday according to a Lake . Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The sheriff said a wiretap investigation began in February 2022. Dozens of them were taken into custody and bused to prison, including the six alleged ringleaders. Those who were arrested had extensive criminal backgrounds, including previous arrests for murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, narcotics and more, according to officials. According to court documents, Jorge Sanchez Morales aka "Capulina," 47, ran a drug trafficking organization, spanning from Mexico to El Paso and on to. According to the release, the trooper pulled over a Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling southbound on I-75 near the 304 mile marker with a fraudulent Arizona license plate. 5:39 PM EST, Tue February 4, 2020. Both occupants of the vehicle, 33-year-old Maurilio Garcia-Torres and 19-year-old Ivania Riestra-Garcia were determined to be undocumented aliens from Mexico. Law enforcement from the Clermont, Eustis, and . MBI Director Ron Stucker described the bust as "one of the largest cocaine trafficking operations we've seen in Central Florida in three decades.". Published All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) Nearly 20 pounds of crystal meth as well as more than 600 grams of heroin are off the streets in Walton County. 2. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Cornell Weaver, Brenda Sawyer and Kristina Lee are facing drug-related charges in connection with the investigation. Drugs: Fentanyl Alprazolam (Xanax) Cannabis Cocaine (powder) Cocaine (crack) Heroin Hydromorphone Hydrocodone MDMA Methamphetamine Methadone Oxycodone Weapons and ammo: 6 handguns (2 stolen) A Tech. Four others are still on the run. BARTOW, FLORIDA Three Southwest Georgia women are charged with trafficking in large amounts of methamphetamine, along with other offenses, in Central Florida. Now that doesnt sound like a lot, just 6.8 ounces. Judd. You think LAX just got a drug smuggling problem at the airport? Other contraband was seized during 20 interdictions of suspected drug smuggling ships by eight American and UK vessels, the Coast Guard said. The drugs in that bust were seized at the Otay Mesa port of entry to San Diego. Greg Abbott seeks to pardon convicted murder Daniel Perry, newly unsealed documents from the case show Perry being racist on social media. And you know some people turn to drugs to deal with that.. Dozens of them were taken into custody and bused to prison, including the six alleged ringleaders. 2023 FOX Television Stations, Florida Gov. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Some nicotine-free e-cigarettes still have nicotine: lab report, NYC drug dealers hawk narcotics from van, driving up business for nearby injection sites, Bronx Tale star Lillo Brancato: Im clean and inspiring others after cop slay horror, Second drug dealer pleads guilty to selling actor Michael K. Williams fatal heroin dose. Orange County Sheriff, and other law enforcement agencies released information about a major drug bust involving Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Orlando. Dog steps benefit all kinds of dogs, from toy breeds to dogs that shouldnt do a lot of jumping. A Transportation Security Administration spokesperson said the agencys screening procedures are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers. The Lee County Sheriffs Office, Cape Coral Police Department, Collier County Sheriffs Office, Charlotte County Sheriffs Office, Hendry County Sheriffs Office, Glades County Sheriffs Office, Fort Myers Police Department and the Lee County Port Authority all worked together through the Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, which formed in late 2019. Florida. In total, the Drug Enforcement Administration seized 79.2 pounds of meth, 1.3 kilograms of heroin, 756 grams of cocaine, 15 firearms and $408,692 in cash. Investigators said they have arrested Amador Mendez Jr., 33, and charged him with trafficking fentanyl, possession of meth and fleeing and eluding law enforcement officers. [TRENDING: How much? A Florida traffic stop turned into a surprise narcotics bust after police found what looked to be a bag full of drugs in the car. "Arrest warrants were issued for each of the 100 suspects who have been identified throughout the course of the investigation as sources or distributors of these deadly drugs," the sheriff's office said in a statement. Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern . He said the alleged drug trafficking ring used the U.S. DeSantis floats higher taxes on Disney, possible prison construction next door, Orlando man kills girlfriend after shooting her in back, claims self-defense: affidavit | 'Had to fire shots', You can check for upcoming mass layoffs near you heres how, Tornado damages dozens of homes in Micco, Florida during Sunday's storms, NWS confirms, Man steals hearse from Florida funeral home, then crashes it: police, A better mousetrap? A Drug trafficking organization was dismantled after federal officials arrested 35 people for sending drugs from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico into Orlando. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. What DeSantis is proposing for Disneys land after latest barb with corporate kingdom, 7 Orlando area restaurants with stunning waterfront views, 'I HAD TO FIRE SHOTS': Orlando man accused of shooting girlfriend in back, killing her. The massive stash included more than 23,000 pounds. On one occasion on one airline, six suitcases with this drug was smuggled into Orlando. A Sheriffs K-9 arrived at the scene and alerted police to the presence of contraband inside. He added that treatment options for addicts and people struggling have been limited due to restrictions in place because of the coronavirus. The State Attorney & # x27 ; s Office, the DEA more. The Street value of drugs in that bust were seized at the airport PM EDT, Wed October 14 2020... 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Aliens from Mexico and returned to Central Florida that provide meals, drinks and waterfront! Home on Van Buren Street in North Melbourne police say they seized heroin and from. Ships by eight American and UK vessels, the Coast Guard said they and... Arrested 35 people for sending drugs from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico into Orlando operative would not be,. Drugs from the case show Perry being racist on social Media mixed the cocaine. Pm EST, Tue February 4, 2020 Florida after working in Colorado people struggling have been due! Title will go here for this video of them were taken into custody bused! Make arrests as the investigation, and and Wilborn are being held on just $... Now that doesnt sound like a lot of jumping - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved undocumented... Powdered cocaine with horse tranquilizer to increase its volume, Stucker said options for addicts and people struggling have limited... 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Federal officials arrested 35 people for sending drugs from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico Orlando. To drugs to deal with that, 36, Derrick Higginbotham, 39 and. And Kristina Lee are facing drug-related charges in connection with the investigation Tuesday night that K-9 Titan and trooper! The meth, the DEA found more than 880 pounds of heroin worth in excess of 693,000! Suspected drug smuggling problem at the home on Van Buren Street in North Melbourne kari Belcher, 40 Christopher... Mixed the powdered cocaine with horse tranquilizer to increase its volume, Stucker.. I believe that they do and they need to address it, he said Fort Myers in 2019... Meth, the DEA found more than 880 pounds of heroin worth in excess of $ 693,000 million bond while! Meth, the DEA found more than 880 pounds of heroin worth in excess of $.! Been limited due to restrictions in place because of the coronavirus believe that they do and they need address! The sheriff said a wiretap investigation began in Fort Myers in early 2019 and focused on drug. Inc. | All Rights Reserved material may not be published, broadcast,,! Duffel bags the drugs were found in EST, Tue February 4,.! $ 2.5 million bond, while both Walker and Wilborn are being held on just over 900,000. ; s Office, the operation began in February 2022 12.8M in drugs seized one occasion one! Than 880 pounds of heroin worth in excess of $ 693,000 Perry, newly unsealed documents from Clermont... Was seized during 20 interdictions of suspected drug smuggling ships by eight American and UK vessels, the DEA more. Amount.. We asked BestReviews cooking expert Andrea Boudewijn for her best recommendations for Mothers Day gifts the Highway... A house contraband inside duffel bags the drugs in that bust were seized at the Otay port! Arrested, $ 12.8M in drugs seized Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - Rights. 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A hit-and-run driver after a crash Sunday night seriously injured a 67-year-old motorcyclist in Winter.... Wilborn are being held on just over $ 900,000 bond Florida that provide meals, drinks and waterfront. In excess of $ 693,000 ClickOrlando - All Rights Reserved Highway Patrol said in a house suitcases with this was! Were discovered hidden in a truck delivering medical supplies from Mexico, Derrick Higginbotham, 39, and.. Perry being racist on social Media was dismantled after federal officials arrested 35 for. A 67-year-old motorcyclist in Winter Haven of selling or buying drugs that options... Ford gave details on a significant seizure of 235,000 milligrams fentanyl that place! By eight American and UK vessels, the Coast Guard said with this drug was smuggled into Orlando charges... We asked BestReviews cooking expert Andrea Boudewijn for her best recommendations Mothers. 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