Judd said the two were rappers and liked to show off the guns and jewelry they obtained. Inside the home, they found cocaine, heroin, Oxycodone, MDMA, Tramadol, marijuana, Fentanyl, handguns and drug paraphernalia. All 32 people said to be involved in the drug trafficking operation face a total of 301 felonies and 134 misdemeanors. 1:14. Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com. Coast Guard offloads record $1.4 billion worth of cocaine and marijuana at Florida port By Peter Martinez August 6, 2021 / 7:49 AM / CBS News The U.S. Coast Guard 01, 2021. Samantha Mathers is a digital reporter and content creator for Action News Jax. This all happened less than 400 feet from Pleasant Hill Baptist Church which is an additional charge because it was within 1,000 feet. 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. Thomas' father, Earl Thomas, 67, was also among those arrested. Two people, including the father of former Florida State and NFL player Letroy Guion, were charged for selling cocaine. STARKE, Fla. (WCJB) - The Starke Police Department arrested eight people in connection with a drug distribution ring early Monday morning. To keep up with the latest local news subscribe to our TV20 newsletter HERE and receive news straight to your email every morning. There were more than 100 charges from the cases, including over 80 felonies. Port Charlotte, FL - March 2, 2023 Deputies approaching a vehicle interrupted a passenger attempting to inject Heroin during a traffic stop. You can watch the full news conference below: Breaking news and weather alerts:Get the free 10 Tampa Bay app, Stay In the Know! According to authorities, U.S. authorities teamed up with Europol to make the Operation Dark HunTor arrests. Jack Campbell, the state attorney for the Second Judicial Circuit, said one of his prosecutors, Adrian Mood, and Guillermo Vallejo with the Office of Statewide Prosecution, had both been "cross sworn" as it was being determined where the criminal cases would fall in the court system. Everything you need to know about the next launch and detailed coverage on space missions. Major drug dealer arrested, more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana seized Aug 26, 2021 / 07:59 Your browser does not support HTML5 audio. Officials say more arrests are likely in the case. 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. CLAY COUNTY, Fla. The Clay County Sheriffs Office said Thursday 44 people are behind bars following a massive drug bust. Share currently playing on Facebook (Opens a new window), Share currently playing on Twitter (Opens a new window), Jacksonvilles Morning News with Rich Jones, Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on breaking stories, SPOTLIGHT: Gate River Run kicks off first weekend in March, Alaska's arduous Iditarod kicks off with ceremonial start, Election conspiracies fuel dispute over voter fraud system, NFL combine 2023 tracker: QBs take stage for 40-yard dash, throwing portion, You Decide 2023 - The Race For Jacksonville Mayor - LeAnna Cumber Spotlight, You Decide 2023 - The Race For Jacksonville Mayor - Daniel Davis Spotlight, You Decide 2023 - The Race For Jacksonville Mayor - Omega Allen Spotlight. 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. 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. WebPolk Sheriff talks about major drug bust and makes up a rap verse. Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter, Example video title will go here for this video. All rights reserved. One of 44 suspects arrested in sweeping drug bust in Clay County. LCSO Crime scene vans were seen at CLB Collisions & Customs and Rim Source, which was surrounded by crime scene tape. Drugs dont just affect one person. The Fentanyl seized is enough to kill nearly 30,000 people by overdose, officials say. $1.6 million worth of fentanyl seized in Montco bust: DA. Two men from South Florida are among more than 100 people who were recently arrested in connection with a Darknet drug trafficking bust. 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. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. 01, 2021. Jul 23, 2021. Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said this is one of the largest drug busts in LCSO history. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. We arent only going to put you in jail, but were going to take you money cars and businesses and anything else you gained from the sale of illegal drugs, Sheriff Marceno said. WebLee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said this is one of the largest drug busts in LCSO history. One of the top suspects was murdered during the investigation, which began in June, and his son was charged in another murder. 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. DeSantis responds to St. Pete Mayor Kriseman's criticisms: 'How did I politicize red tide? Copyright 2021 WCJB. 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. Researchers say red tide is pushing sharks into Tampa Bay area canals, Seattle Kraken take Yanni Gourde from Tampa Bay Lightning in expansion draft, Gov. The operation resulted in the seizure of weapons, drugs and more than $31 million in cash and virtual currencies. 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. They also found $4,557 in cash inside the house. WebRecent Posts. Director of UDEST, Captain Jason Douglas said he wont stop. Copyright 2021 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved. Altogether, the suspects have 645 previous charges, including 314 prior felonies and 331 prior misdemeanors. Tap on any of the buttons below to download our app. Never miss a story: Subscribe to the Tallahassee Democrat using the link at the top of the page. Investigators say Vincent Thomas, 35, and Patrick Field, 34, were also considered main distributors in the area. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The passenger, identified as 34-year-old Cassidy Ketchum, and driver, identified as Daniel Lamb, left approximately 20 minutes after arriving. Receive a detailed news briefing each morning and evening along with our Attractions Insider briefing on Fridays on our app, Investigators participate in a drug bust in Volusia County that took place Thursday and Friday. According to the sheriff's office, the group was attempting to traffic drugs with a total street value of $283,820. (Clay County Sheriff's Office), STAY UPDATED:Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on breaking stories. All rights reserved. New Zealand police find 3.5 tons of cocaine in Pacific Ocean. Win Tickets to see Taylor Swift in Tampa Bay! 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. Some will face prosecution at the circuit level while some are likely to face statewide prosecutors. They cause crime, that crime creates additional victims. 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. A major drug ring operating out of Tallahassee had connections to other states and investigators say its members, 27 of whom have been taken into custody, wereresponsible for flooding North Florida with cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and Fentanyl. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of various narcotics and ties to a local drug house. 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. While several arrests were made in Tallahassee, a large part of the operation ran through Gadsden County. 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. Most of these suspects are gang members and contributed to violent crimes, Perez said. 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. 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. The sheriff said during the news conference that they also raided a Gateway home on Avalon Lake Circle. 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. 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. Enable our Skill today to listen live at home on your Alexa Devices! 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. 4 people were arrested and 6 animals were rescued at a recent drug bust in Vero Beach. August 26, 2021 The Escambia County Sheriffs Office has announced the largest marijuana grow and distribution operation ever busted in Escambia County. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. Judd said James McClain, 34, was a major distributor of methamphetamines and marijuana in the Lake Wales area. 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. All rights reserved. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. During a press conference Thursday morning, Judd said earlier this year the Polk County Sheriffs Office High It depends, Man shot, killed by Baldwin Co. deputy in Elsanor, Short-term rentals now require a business license, Baldwin County group helps young women get all dressed, Baldwin County deputy shoots, kills person in Elsanor, Autopsies complete for Baldwin County inmates who, Gun found on Baldwin County HS campus, student arrested, Escambia County woman looking for man who helped, How to get flag condition alerts for Gulf Coast beaches, Lewis Bear, philanthropist and businessman, passes, Heavy equipment will help clean up illegal dump site, 50th anniversary homecoming ceremony for Vietnam, Pedestrian struck, killed on Palafox in Pensacola, Pensacola woman wins $1 million off $50 scratch-off, 9-in-1 City Food Hall opening in Destin Commons, House where JonBent Ramsey was found dead up for, Trump reigns supreme at a diminished CPAC, Federal agency urges railroads to review how they, Infants death linked to contaminated breast pump,, Blue Angels announce their 2023 show schedule, set, PHOTOS: Storm damage, flooding across North Alabama, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Are dogs allowed on the beach in Gulf Shores? Additionally, more than 10 grams of Fentanyl, 7.4 grams of Methamphetamines, Hydromorphone pills, Cannabis and several loaded syringes containing Fentanyl were discovered. 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 They hurt parents and siblings and spouses and most of all our children, Cook said. 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. WebU.S. Reach out for help. WebMichael 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, Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. On March 1, 2023, Narcotics Detectives investigating several overdoses connected to 480 Fletcher Street Tune in to FOX 35 Orlando for the latest Central WebWhile searching the house, police found fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, the sheriff's office said. WebMiami-Dade PD Takes Down 5 In Drug Bust Near Kendall School, Confiscating Duffle Bags, Coolers Full Of Narcotics. You may be offline. OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - Agents with the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST) announced Wednesday that they have seized more than 300 marijuana plants, plus an additional 300 packaged marijuana products. 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. The sheriff says getting drugs off Clay Countys streets couldnt have been done without the communitys help. 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. WebThe drug bust was reportedly sparked by two recent homicides in the area. These young individuals are wasting their lives and risking the lives of others peddling this poison.. Sign up below to be added to our mailing list for the latest news updates, access to exclusive contests, and more! In a news conference, Sheriff Grady Judd said drugs like marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines and ecstacy were taken from the Lake Wales area. Inside the vehicle, deputies located: Daniel Lamb was issued a criminal citation for Operating a Motor Vehicle with a suspended license and was released from the scene. Florida Department of Law Enforcement Special Agent Mark Perez said they were independent organizations that shared suppliers and dealers that ensured a steady supply of drugs in North Florida.. 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? WebORLANDO, Fla. Orlando police say they seized 2 grams of fentanyl, 24 grams of cocaine, 7 grams of methamphetamine, 2 grams of MDMA plus marijuana, pills and cash during a What is a COVID-19 vaccine 'breakthrough' case? Several arrested, including former NFL players father, in Bradford County drug ring bust, '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, Gainesville man arrested for pulling gun on his brother. He said much of the violent activity connected to the drug ring happened in the rural county west of Tallahassee. The vehicle traveled down Veterans Blvd until a deputy was able to make a traffic stop. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. Officials said that several suspects who were directly involved with opioid overdose death investigations were arrested. ', A Frank Conversation: New podcast explores race, religion, politics and more, Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter. Related story: Ocala police uncover drug operation run by father and son during shooting investigation. Are dogs allowed on the beach in Dauphin Island? Despite 32 people being charged, only 29 have been arrested, according to the sheriff's office. Residents like Tasia Beener said they are glad the Sheriff's Office is trying to get drugs off the streets. Reach out to your local police department, your sheriffs office, ask for that help. The sheriff said, during their investigation, deputies discovered there were three key players behind the drug trafficking. In January, Sheriff Michelle Cook, along with her leadership team, say they took a hard look at the drug issues in Clay County and discussed strategies on how to best combat them. The suspects from South Florida were identified by authorities as Luis Spencer, 31, and Olatunji Dawodu, 36, both of who are from Fort Lauderdale. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said a long-term drug investigation took down a major drug distribution ring in Jacksonville The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a health advisory on Friday about an increase in an antibiotic-resistant strain of the Shigella bacteria. In a news conference, The sheriff said during the news conference that they also raided a Gateway Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. 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? A 9mm handgun was also seized during the operation, investigators said. Five of the eight people were arrested for possession and intent to distribute meth. Amanda Batchelor, Digital Executive Producer. 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. One of 44 suspects arrested in sweeping drug bust in Clay County. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of various narcotics and ties to a local drug house. PUBLISHED 7:31 PM ET May. A collaborative of law enforcement officials announced the arrests after nearly a year of work, which allegedlybrought down major players and street level dealers who operated in Leon and Gadsden counties but had connections to California, Georgia and Texas. Authorities said they took down DarkMarket, the worlds then-largest illegal marketplace on the Darknet, in January and international law enforcement agencies identified various Darknet drug vendors and buyers who engaged in tens of thousands of sales of illicit good and services across Australia, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. The following drugs were recovered by deputies: Sheriff Cook says drugs are a real problem in Clay County, with over 500 drug-related arrests and 23 confirmed overdose deaths in 2021 so far. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 150 people were arrested, including two people from South Florida. 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. WebPUBLISHED 7:31 PM ET May. 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. 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. Brown had an active warrant for trafficking in heroin. All 32 people said to be involved in the drug trafficking operation face a total of 301 felonies and 134 misdemeanors. When deputies finished their search, they were seen carrying computers along with a box filled with evidence bags. Once she returned, the vehicle left. 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. 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. I believe that if we try hard enough we can do anything, Douglas said. A man in south Florida died from a brain-eating infection last month after using tap water during sinus rinses, according to FOX 4. (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. If youre struggling with addiction, you can get help Friday at Wilkinson Elementary School from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Deputies approaching a vehicle interrupted a passenger attempting to inject Heroin during a traffic stop. PCSO charges 32 suspects during Operation Bell Gang Blues, a 16-month investigation of 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. 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. The SWAT team made entry to the home after knocking and announcing who they were. Its terrifying that number of people can die at the hands of a drug dealer that wants to turn a quick profit, and for those people that are watching this press conference later on, let me say this, I know that there are addicts out there that are going to see this, and Im going to ask you to do this, reach out for help. You think about that brothers," Judd said after suggesting he'd help the men come up with a new rap song. 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. It amazes me that some people still think drug traffickers are somehow low-level, non-violent criminals. According to Judd, McClain told investigators he dyed the methamphetamines blue in recognition of the Democratic Party. Drug trafficking impacts entire communities with violence and frequency of drug use, he said. FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said those arrested had 93 prior drug arrests, including some federal, 67 prior violentcrime arrests and 175 prior felony counts.