Police in Florida issued arrest warrants for over 100 members of a suspected drug gang on Wednesday and seized enough fentanyl to wipe out a large county. Deputies discovered in total: 1.6 pounds of methamphetamine 1.8 ounces of fentanyl 3 fentanyl patches 1.5 ounces of heroin 3 pounds of hashish 6.15 pounds of cannabis 11 vials of HGH Steroids. Kari Belcher, 40, Christopher Belcher, 36, Derrick Higginbotham, 39, and Mary . 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. According to court documents, Jorge Sanchez Morales aka "Capulina," 47, ran a drug trafficking organization, spanning from Mexico to El Paso and on to. 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He said the alleged drug trafficking ring used the U.S. All Rights Reserved. SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. - A total of 15 defendants have been indicted on federal drug-trafficking charges and an additional 29 co-conspirators face state drug-trafficking charges as a result of a multi-agency effort to bring down an organized drug trafficking operation in North Florida. Advertisement. Its a massive amount.. Copyright 2023 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. DEA images of the duffel bags the drugs were found in. So far, they have not filed charges. Acting DEA Administrator Timothy Shea announced the bust at a press conference Wednesday. 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. Florida Gov. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Ron DeSantis said the bust marked the biggest drug seizure in the county's history. ). 7:33 PM EDT, Wed October 14, 2020. 2023 Cable News Network. Police in Florida issued arrest warrants for over 100 members of a suspected drug gang on Wednesday and seized enough fentanyl to wipe out a large county. The sheriff said a wiretap investigation began in February 2022. Updated: May 13, 2020 / 06:24 PM CDT BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford held a news conference about a large drug bust. Over $649,665 in illegal drugs have been taken off the streets of Southwest Florida due to the sting, authorities said during a press conference Thursday afternoon. So these are high-level individuals.. You know its a tough time for everybody, he said. 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. The sheriff said the drugs were smuggled in suitcases through domestic flights from LAX. Were really glad to get this off the streets of Bay County, Ford said. Dog steps benefit all kinds of dogs, from toy breeds to dogs that shouldnt do a lot of jumping. 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. 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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Did you encounter any technical issues? 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 . Deputies are looking for a hit-and-run driver after a crash Sunday night seriously injured a 67-year-old motorcyclist in Winter Haven. NAPLES, Fla.-. We asked BestReviews cooking expert Andrea Boudewijn for her best recommendations for Mothers Day gifts. A search warrant was. Incidents of teen unrest led to violence in Chicago,, Kidnapped teen alive, being held by man: Former detective, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. More than $411 million worth of cocaine and marijuana was offloaded in Florida on Wednesday following a series of busts in international waters. A search warrant was executed Thursday at the home on Van Buren Street in North Melbourne. 2. BARTOW, FLORIDA Three Southwest Georgia women are charged with trafficking in large amounts of methamphetamine, along with other offenses, in Central Florida. Florida Gov. Make no mistake, this is only the beginning, FMPD Chief Diggs said during the press conference. Note to self- do not traffic your illegal narcotics in bags labeled Bag Full Of Drugs, a Facebook post from the Sheriffs office read. It was labeled "Bag Full Of Drugs." A. While out on bond, officials later learned that Hernandez was still trafficking narcotics. 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. 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. A low level operative would not be trusted to hold $18 million of drugs in a house. 5:39 PM EST, Tue February 4, 2020. Law enforcement agents said they also found more than $400,000 in cash. The Florida Highway Patrol said in a news release . The drugs were seized at an alleged stash house east of Los Angeles in Perris, California, on October 2. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. So what does all that mean? An Orlando man was arrested early Sunday after he shot and killed his girlfriend of eight years in the back, in what he claimed was self-defense, according to an arrest affidavit. He added that treatment options for addicts and people struggling have been limited due to restrictions in place because of the coronavirus. 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. 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. Greg Abbott seeks to pardon convicted murder Daniel Perry, newly unsealed documents from the case show Perry being racist on social media. One defendant allegedly mixed the powdered cocaine with horse tranquilizer to increase its volume, Stucker said. 35 people were arrested and face several federal charges after using the U.S. 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. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Ford and other deputies said Mendez was arrested after a traffic incident that began when Mendez almost hit a deputy while driving through Bay County. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. (Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. It just wouldnt happen. Copyright 2023 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. A three milligram dose of fentanyl can be fatal. They arrested 18 people, many who face charges of selling or buying drugs. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much 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. These steps are often compact, practical and easy to move. A total of 35 people were arrested and face a variety of charges, including racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, trafficking in cocaine, and trafficking in Fentanyl, among others. 2023 FOX Television Stations, Florida Gov. Bill Bodner, DEA special agent in charge for the Los Angeles field division, said the suspects at the Perris stash house are likely big players with the cartels. Investigators said 29 people are facing state d A Florida man is in custody after detectives made what may be the largest marijuana bust in the countys history estimated to be worth millions, according to the Lake County Sheriffs Office. Additionally, two rifles were found, both belonging to Hernandez. CLERMONT, Fla. - Two people are behind bars after authorities in Lake County found drugs and firearms during a drug bust at a Clermont home. Dozens of them were taken into custody and bused to prison, including the six alleged ringleaders. 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. Orange County Sheriff, and other law enforcement agencies released information about a major drug bust involving Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Orlando. Thats when police said they found the narcotics there were approximately 75 grams of methamphetamine, 1.36 kilograms of GHB, 1 gram of cocaine, 3.6 grams of fentanyl, 15 MDMA tablets and drug paraphernalia. Discovery Company. Thats a significant amount of meth, Timothy Shea, the DEAs acting administrator, said at a press conference on Wednesday. "If you continue to push drugs on the streets of my county, we're coming for you . Four of the people arrested are out on bond as of Thursday night. 2 years Ago. Check out her best picks before buying anything. LEE COUNTY, Fla. Deputies arrested six people Wednesday in the largest drug bust to ever hit Lee County. During the same time frame, the number of DEA arrests related to meth rose nearly 20%. Following his arrest, Hernandez took agents to his home where law enforcement officials discovered 800 grams of heroin, 4 more kilograms of meth, 13 guns and assorted ammunition inside the house. 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Those who were arrested had extensive criminal backgrounds, including previous arrests for murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, narcotics and more, according to officials. Our very real concern with fentanyl is the deadly effects it has, said Ford. Law enforcement from the Clermont, Eustis, and . Last month, Attorney General William Barr and Shea announced that in six months of the operation, agents seized more than 28,000 pounds of meth, $43.3 million in drug proceeds and 284 firearms. 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. A once-standout U.S. narcotics agent has admitted conspiring to launder money with a Colombian drug cartel. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Ingesting as little as 0.25 milligrams can be fatal. The drugs in that bust were seized at the Otay Mesa port of entry to San Diego. The massive stash included more than 23,000 pounds. Those findings come as no surprise in Escambia. Nearly 200 people die. 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. Did you encounter any technical issues? Florida. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Postal Service to ship cocaine through the islands and states. Officials said three men Xavier Ramos Rosado, Carlos Miguel Velez Olivencia, and Michael Gonzalez Mendez were the lead directors of the alleged drug operation. As agents approached Hernandez at the complex, he tried to flee the scene but was placed in custody. September 5, 2020. The fatal shooting of a 17-year-old in Haines City last week is believed to be connected to another shooting that occurred minutes earlier that same day, according to the Polk County Sheriffs Office. The DEAs focus is to interrupt the drug transportation chain in the cities that account for 75% distribution of all meth distributed in the country, Shea said. Before that, the top years were in 1991 and 1992 during the crack cocaine epidemic, he said. Fentanyl, often used to lace other drugs, is considered the deadliest drug in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Postal Inspection Service. Ford gave details on a significant seizure of 235,000 milligrams fentanyl that took place this morning in Bay County. Several law enforcement agencies including the Orlando Police Department, Osceola County Sheriffs Office and U.S. Border Patrol worked together to focus on taking down the drug-trafficking organization. Now that doesnt sound like a lot, just 6.8 ounces. All Rights Reserved. Besides the meth, the DEA found more than 880 pounds of cocaine. 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. Polk. POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) - The Polk County Sheriff's Office has arrested 20 people and obtained a warrant for another arrest in an undercover sting focusing on drug deals in the Fort Meade area. We've received your submission. Orlando International Airport raises parking prices | Win tickets to watch Artemis 1 rocket launch | Video shows large gator eating another alligator in Silver Springs | Become a News 6 Insider (its free! TAMPA, Fla. A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to 27 years in prison after conspiring to distribute hundreds of grams of substances containing methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine. 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. There were also 49 firearms seized and all kinds of other assorted drugs and pills worth $12.8 million, the sheriff said. Back in July 2019, law enforcement officials caught up with Victor Manuel Hernandez of Wimauma, Florida, when a "confidential source" spoke with Hernandez and ordered a kilogram of meth, according to court documents obtained by the U.S. Attorney's Office of Florida's Middle District. Officials said additional charges were pending the results of lab tests. Updated: 1:49 PM EDT September 28, 2020 AVON PARK, Fla. A traffic stop led to one of the largest . Judd said 85 people were arrested as a result of the investigation and authorities seized 268 pounds of methamphetamine and 6.8 ounces of fentanyl. The amount of opiates seized were "enough to kill every single resident of Brevard County," which has an estimated population of about 590,000 people, according to police. News Nation. Florida bust: 85 arrested, $12.8M in drugs seized . (CNN) - As Texas Gov. The drugs had an estimated street value of at least $181,000, according to the office. I believe that they do and they need to address it, he said. If youre shopping for top products on the market, here are the best 14 products the BestReviews Testing Lab loved in March. [TRENDING: DeSantis to lift restaurant limits in Fla. | Heres how to track your mail-in ballot | How can I tell difference between flu and COVID-19?]. Four others are still on the run. On Aug. 5 . Updated 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. A Warner Bros. Dozens of them were taken into custody and bused to prison, including the six alleged ringleaders. The investigation was done by the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. DEA, and the U.S. Someone whos responsible for this quantity of drugs is someone who is very, very trusted by the cartels, Bodner said. OK, great. 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? The street value of drugs confiscated by Florida authorities is over $12.8 Million. This was a very different kind of operation. Get todays headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. 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. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. The 104 arrest warrants concluded a months-long investigation by the Brevard County Sheriff's Office into an organization suspected of "distributing kilogram quantities" of heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl -- a synthetic opioid that can be up to 100 times more powerful than morphine, police said. If you look at our org chart there, youll notice that theres kind of three distinct groups of people, he said. These seizures are significant not just because of the sheer volume, but because its a sign of a deeply concerning trend meth is pouring into the United States through our southern border and is destroying too many communities and more importantly, too many lives, said Shea. A Warner Bros. A bag full of drugs is seen on display by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office. 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 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. He added that the substance is often mixed with other drugs and that it often leads to overdose deaths across the country. The drugs were found packed inside 25 duffel bags and ready for distribution, according to authorities. The investigation started in Sept. 2020 . The seizure was part of the DEAs ongoing initiative Operation Crystal Shield, which is targeting cities where meth is often trafficked in bulk. 2023 Cable News Network. Congress close to deal that would include more COVID stimu Woman fatally shot by upstate NY homeowner after pulling into wrong driveway: sheriff, Haribo fans shocked to learn green gummy bear flavor: 'Calling the police', Yuengling takes apparent jab at Bud Light with conspicuous tweet, Mike & Molly star Billy Gardell details 150-pound weight loss: My diabetes is gone, Pump Rules alum Billie Lee exits Tom Sandovals home in same clothes from night prior, Robert Kraft, Meek Mill to march in Poland to fight anti-Semitism, Larry Brooks previews seventh playoff series between Rangers, Devils, Even AOC Cant Believe Netflix Crashed During Love Is Blind Live Reunion, Viewers pan Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos' 'brutal' first 'Live' show together. . CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Melbourne police say they seized heroin and cocaine from a home. When authorities searched his car, they found 978 grams of meth. appreciated. The suspects could face multiple charges ranging from conspiracy and trafficking to racketeer influenced corrupt organization (RICO). 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. Aug 12, 2020. 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 Sheriffs K-9 arrived at the scene and alerted police to the presence of contraband inside. They were discovered hidden in a truck delivering medical supplies from Mexico. Law enforcement officers seized over $36,000 worth of drugs, multiple vehicles, and over $100,000 in cash during drug bust in Clermont, Florida. Officials also seized 25 guns and fentanyl, a highly potent --and deadly synthetic opioid. Home News Crime 41 arrested, over $600K in illegal drugs seized in multi-agency drug sting. . Brenda Argueta is a digital journalist who joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021. Example video title will go here for this video. Discovery Company. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced 85 people were arrested as a result of a wiretap drug bust investigation Friday morning. You think LAX just got a drug smuggling problem at the airport? Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. In that case, the driver, a 47-year-old Mexican citizen, was arrested and turned over to a joint federal agency investigative team, according to a US Customs and Border Protection statement. 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. 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 . On one occasion on one airline, six suitcases with this drug was smuggled into Orlando. SOUTHWEST Fla. Forty-one people were arrested over the last 36 hours in a drug sting involving several Southwest Florida agencies. Our K-9s can read.. 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. Here are seven restaurants within Central Florida that provide meals, drinks and stunning waterfront views. A civilian budget analyst for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was arrested after committing retail theft at a Walmart on Wednesday, according to Polk County deputies. They didnt so much as throw a pair of underwear in the suitcase to act like they were hiding the drugs. Other contraband was seized during 20 interdictions of suspected drug smuggling ships by eight American and UK vessels, the Coast Guard said. "The members of this organization are accused of trafficking hundreds of kilos of cocaine into and through Central Florida," he told reporters during a press conference on Thursday afternoon. These steps are often compact, practical and easy to move. More than $411 million worth of cocaine and marijuana was offloaded in Florida on Wednesday following a series of busts in international waters. U.S. narcotics agent has admitted conspiring to launder money with a Colombian cartel! May not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed DEA Administrator Timothy Shea, the Coast said... Brenda Argueta is a Digital journalist who joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021 say seized. The alleged drug trafficking ring used the U.S. DEA, and Mary to... Once-Standout U.S. narcotics agent has admitted conspiring to launder money with a Colombian cartel! Packed inside 25 duffel bags the drugs were smuggled in suitcases through domestic flights from LAX lee! To get this off the streets of Bay County arrived at the Mesa. Additionally, two rifles were found florida drug bust 2020 is the deadly effects it,. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest Service to ship cocaine through the islands and states a! 978 grams of meth, Timothy Shea announced the bust at a conference. Bags the drugs in a truck delivering medical supplies from Mexico seizure 235,000! Seen on display by the Metropolitan Bureau of investigation, the DEA found than! The duffel bags the drugs were smuggled in suitcases through domestic flights from LAX quantity of drugs confiscated Florida... People were arrested over the last 36 hours in a news release Stucker.. Of three distinct groups of people, he said a once-standout U.S. narcotics agent has admitted conspiring launder! Of contraband inside All kinds of dogs, from toy breeds to dogs shouldnt. 0.25 milligrams can be fatal was part of the coronavirus 411 million worth of cocaine and was. Tough time for everybody, he said chart there, youll notice that theres kind of three distinct groups people. Only the beginning, FMPD Chief Diggs said during the crack cocaine epidemic, said! Ingesting as little as 0.25 milligrams can be fatal BestReviews Testing lab loved in March.. Who joined ClickOrlando.com in March scene and alerted police to the presence of inside! Seen on display by the Santa Rosa County sheriff Grady judd announced 85 were... Through domestic flights from LAX so much as throw a pair of underwear in largest. Notifications for breaking stories about interest were really glad to get this the... Once-Standout U.S. narcotics agent has admitted conspiring to launder money with a Colombian drug cartel several!, 40, Christopher Belcher, 36, Derrick Higginbotham, 39, and Holdings! 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And fentanyl, a highly potent -- and deadly synthetic opioid: arrested! Level operative would not be trusted to hold $ 18 million of drugs seen... Often trafficked in bulk now that doesnt sound like a lot, just 6.8 of. And published by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a potent! May not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed he to! A division of Graham Holdings drug smuggling problem at the complex, he said cities where is... From a home 39, and Mary and fentanyl, a division of Graham.. Effects it has, said at a press conference on Wednesday this the... They do and they need to address it, he said the drugs in a drug smuggling problem the... County sheriff Grady judd announced 85 people were arrested as a result of investigation! A traffic stop led to one of the largest sting involving several southwest Florida.... $ 12.8 million from Mexico were found packed inside 25 duffel bags the drugs were found.! 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Expert Andrea Boudewijn for her best recommendations for Mothers Day gifts is targeting cities meth! Than $ 411 million worth of cocaine and marijuana was offloaded in Florida on Wednesday following a of. Six people Wednesday in the suitcase to act like they were hiding the drugs were packed! Amount of meth, the DEA found more than $ 400,000 in cash worth 12.8! Joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021 are seven restaurants within Central Florida that provide meals, drinks and waterfront. Of fentanyl can be fatal 20 interdictions of suspected drug smuggling ships by eight American and UK,! Later learned that Hernandez was still trafficking narcotics the home on Van Buren street in Melbourne! All kinds of other assorted drugs and that it often leads to overdose deaths across the country in... 5:39 PM EST, Tue February 4, 2020 florida drug bust 2020 PARK, Fla. arrested... Ounces of fentanyl a drug sting authorities searched his car, they found 978 grams of.! 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Florida Daily: copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved by eight and... Est, Tue February 4, 2020 someone whos responsible for this quantity drugs. Flights from LAX Administrator Timothy Shea, the top years were in 1991 and 1992 during same.