In a news conference, There were more than 100 charges from the cases, including over 80 felonies. This all happened less than 400 feet from Pleasant Hill Baptist Church which is an additional charge because it was within 1,000 feet. According to the sheriff's office, the group was attempting to traffic drugs with a total street value of $283,820. Please check your connection and try again using the Retry button. You may be offline. LEE COUNTY, Fla. Six people were arrested in a massive drug bust at an auto body shop in Lee County. To keep up with the latest local news subscribe to our TV20 newsletter HERE and receive news straight to your email every morning. Additionally, more than 10 grams of Fentanyl, 7.4 grams of Methamphetamines, Hydromorphone pills, Cannabis and several loaded syringes containing Fentanyl were discovered. They hurt parents and siblings and spouses and most of all our children, Cook said. They arrested Marcus Blankenship and Steven Brown and there were three other people inside at the time. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Authorities said Spencer, Dawodu and Alex Ogando, 35, of Providence, Rhode Island, advertised and sold pressed fentanyl pills throughout the U.S. Orlando police seize fentanyl, meth, cocaine and cash during 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. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. bust (Clay County Sheriff's Office), STAY UPDATED:Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on breaking stories. When deputies finished their search, they were seen carrying computers along with a box filled with evidence bags. Copyright 2023 Waterman Broadcasting of Florida, LLC, Home News Local Gateway family busted with cocaine & fentanyl in major drug operation. The operation resulted in the seizure of weapons, drugs and more than $31 million in cash and virtual currencies. Two men from South Florida are among more than 100 people who were recently arrested in connection with a Darknet drug trafficking bust. Once she returned, the vehicle left. 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. FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said those arrested had 93 prior drug arrests, including some federal, 67 prior violentcrime arrests and 175 prior felony counts. If youre struggling with addiction, you can get help Friday at Wilkinson Elementary School from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. WebLee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said this is one of the largest drug busts in LCSO history. Most of these suspects are gang members and contributed to violent crimes, Perez said. One of the accounts was operated out of the Miami area and the other out of the Providence, Rhode Island, area.. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. Despite 32 people being charged, only 29 have been arrested, according to the sheriff's office. Ashonti Ford TV (@AshontiFordBN9) April 29, 2021 Investigators seized 1,416 pounds of crystallized and liquid meth with a street value of over $50 million. Reach out for help. TRENDING STORY: Gainesville man arrested for pulling gun on his brother. Copyright 2021 WCJB. In a news conference, Sheriff Grady Judd said drugs like marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines and ecstacy were taken from the Lake Wales area. ', A Frank Conversation: New podcast explores race, religion, politics and more, Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter. Officials say more arrests are likely in the case. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. From left: Luis Spencer, 31, and Olatunji Dawodu, 36. Port Charlotte, FL - March 2, 2023 Deputies approaching a vehicle interrupted a passenger attempting to inject Heroin during a traffic stop. Everything you love about wokv.com and more! WebNOW PLAYING ABOVE. A 9mm handgun was also seized during the operation, investigators said. Brown had an active warrant for trafficking in 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. All Rights Reserved. Investigators added that more arrests are expected. The deputy immediately removed Ketchum from the vehicle and placed her into custody. team makes major drug bust at Pensacola home Samantha Mathers is a digital reporter and content creator for Action News Jax. 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. 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. Related story: Ocala police uncover drug operation run by father and son during shooting investigation. Drug What is a COVID-19 vaccine 'breakthrough' case? $1.6 million worth of fentanyl seized in Montco bust: DA. CLAY COUNTY, Fla. The Clay County Sheriffs Office said Thursday 44 people are behind bars following a massive drug bust. 'Deck the Cells': 24 arrested in Citrus County drug bust operation The SWAT team made entry to the home after knocking and announcing who they were. Amanda Batchelor, Digital Executive Producer. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 150 people were arrested, including two people from South Florida. Law enforcement arrests 83 people in Marion County involved in STARKE, Fla. (WCJB) - The Starke Police Department arrested eight people in connection with a drug distribution ring early Monday morning. 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. During the search warrant a plethora of drug paraphernalia was located including hundreds of used drug baggies and syringes. New Zealand police find 3.5 tons of cocaine in Pacific Ocean. PUBLISHED 7:31 PM ET May. PHOTOS: 44 people arrested in massive drug bust in Clay County Drug-resistant stomach bug spreading across US: Serious public health alert. The fentayl is really bad right now.. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. 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. Police say they are still looking for Mario Hankerson on a warrant for selling cocaine. 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. Learn More. 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. The passenger, identified as 34-year-old Cassidy Ketchum, and driver, identified as Daniel Lamb, left approximately 20 minutes after arriving. Major Drug Bust in Florida Jul 23, 2021. All 32 people said to be involved in the drug trafficking operation face a total of 301 felonies and 134 misdemeanors. The vehicle traveled down Veterans Blvd until a deputy was able to make a traffic stop. There will also be a no-questions-asked drug drop-off location. Are dogs allowed on the beach in Dauphin Island? He said much of the violent activity connected to the drug ring happened in the rural county west of Tallahassee. 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. Deputies: 16 arrested in Volusia County drug 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. During a press conference Thursday morning, Judd said earlier this year the Polk County Sheriffs Office High 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. 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. 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. WebPolk Sheriff talks about major drug bust and makes up a rap verse. Florida man caught in drug conspiracy bust faces life in prison if Inside the home, they found cocaine, heroin, Oxycodone, MDMA, Tramadol, marijuana, Fentanyl, handguns and drug paraphernalia. 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. These young individuals are wasting their lives and risking the lives of others peddling this poison.. View all posts by Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Closed for business, Traffic stop leads to drug bust on local trap house, Man arrested after scheduling meetup with minor for sex, PC Man Arrested with Trafficking Amount of Fentanyl/Cocaine, Florida Division of Gaming Enforcement puts local casinos on notice, Deputies catch one of Charlotte Countys most wanted after foot pursuit ends in canal, 2.50 grams (in vial weight) of liquid Heroin from inside syringe, 0.1 grams (IBW) of pink/blue Fentanyl on top of center console, 8 white pills bearing the markings M8 which were identified via pill identifier as Hydromorphone Hydrochloride (schedule 2 controlled substance), One bottle cap (Contents testing positive for Fentanyl), One cigarette wrapper that previously contained Hydromorphone Hydrochloride pills, Drug Paraphernalia Possession or Use Of. Tap on any of the buttons below to download our app. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. 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. Two people, including the father of former Florida State and NFL player Letroy Guion, were charged for selling cocaine. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. PCSO charges 32 suspects during Operation Bell Gang Blues, a 16-month investigation of illegal drug traffickingPhoto: Polk County Sheriffs Office. Perez said suspects would come to Tallahassee to conduct business then hide out in Gadsden where there are fewer law enforcement resources. Drugs dont just affect one person. Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. 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. Residents like Tasia Beener said they are glad the Sheriff's Office is trying to get drugs off the streets. Major drug operation nets 13 arrests, millions Thomas' father, Earl Thomas, 67, was also among those arrested. It amazes me that some people still think drug traffickers are somehow low-level, non-violent criminals. 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. WebWhile searching the house, police found fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, the sheriff's office said. Those arrested on various drug-related charges include Raymond Everything you need to know about Florida's theme parks and the all-new Attractions Insider podcast! Gabriel Cossio, Gabriel Cossio Jr., Melissa Cossio, Jesus Cossio, Aaron Pruitt, and Christopher Ramirez were all arrested on drug charges. Deputies approaching a vehicle interrupted a passenger attempting to inject Heroin during a traffic stop. Drug bust near Cocoa sees 14 people arrested - Florida Today 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. Officials said that several suspects who were directly involved with opioid overdose death investigations were arrested. Polk Sheriff talks about major drug bust and makes up a rap verse 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. Judd said James McClain, 34, was a major distributor of methamphetamines and marijuana in the Lake Wales area. 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. In the largest methamphetamine seizure in Miami-Dade County history, law enforcement agents seized The sheriff said during the news conference that they also raided a Gateway home on Avalon Lake Circle. Illegal drugs ruin lives, destroy families, drive up property crime, and wreck neighborhoods. One of 44 suspects arrested in sweeping drug bust in Clay County. Download it here. 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. 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. While several arrests were made in Tallahassee, a large part of the operation ran through Gadsden County. All 32 people said to be involved in the drug trafficking operation face a total of 301 felonies and 134 misdemeanors. 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A man in south Florida died from a brain-eating infection last month after using tap water during sinus rinses, according to FOX 4. 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. ECSO: Major drug dealer arrested, more than 2,000 pounds of SWAT team makes major drug bust at Pensacola home - WKRG Narcotics detectives also located 24 Buprenorphine films inside the vehicle Kellie Coe was driving.