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. Closed for business, Traffic stop leads to drug bust on local trap house March 2, 2023; Man arrested after scheduling meetup with minor for sex February 27, United Cartels and Others Charged 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. During a press conference Thursday morning, Judd said earlier this year the Polk County Sheriffs Office High Drug-resistant stomach bug spreading across US: Serious public health alert. 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. Closed for business, Traffic stop leads to drug bust on local trap 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. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. All Rights Reserved. He said since OPD started tracking drugs in the community in 2017, just in Ocala proper, police have responded to roughly 900 over dose incidents. 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. 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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. Additionally, more than 10 grams of Fentanyl, 7.4 grams of Methamphetamines, Hydromorphone pills, Cannabis and several loaded syringes containing Fentanyl were discovered. Illegal drugs ruin lives, destroy families, drive up property crime, and wreck neighborhoods. If youre struggling with addiction, you can get help Friday at Wilkinson Elementary School from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Despite 32 people being charged, only 29 have been arrested, according to the sheriff's office. 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. 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. Copyright 2023 Local10.com is published by WPLG INC., a Berkshire Hathaway company. 01, 2021. WebUpdated: 6:28 PM EST December 6, 2021 CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. More than $18,000 worth of drugs were removed from the streets of Citrus County during a recent drug bust Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil, who has championed a regional approach to curbing illegal drug activity, said law enforcement would remain relentless in pursuing people who bring harm to the community. 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. All 32 people said to be involved in the drug trafficking operation face a total of 301 felonies and 134 misdemeanors. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said a long-term drug investigation took down a major drug distribution ring in Jacksonville consisting of 27 arrests. 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. WebNOW PLAYING ABOVE. The sheriff said, during their investigation, deputies discovered there were three key players behind the drug trafficking. Record drug bust: $1.4 billion worth of cocaine and marijuana VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office arrested 16 people on drugs charges during busts this week. (Clay County Sheriff's Office), STAY UPDATED:Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on breaking stories. Angela Dunklebarger, 49, Tavoris Jones, 37, and Reginald Phillips, 37, remain at large, according to law enforcement. Two men from South Florida are among more than 100 people who were recently arrested in connection with a Darknet drug trafficking bust. (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. Drug 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Drugs dont just affect one person. Judd said James McClain, 34, was a major distributor of methamphetamines and marijuana in the Lake Wales area. The passenger, identified as 34-year-old Cassidy Ketchum, and driver, identified as Daniel Lamb, left approximately 20 minutes after arriving. Starke Chief of Police Jeff Johnson says that the main drugs that they were concerned with were meth and fentanyl. I believe that if we try hard enough we can do anything, Douglas said. Some will face prosecution at the circuit level while some are likely to face statewide prosecutors. 4 people were arrested and 6 animals were rescued at a recent drug bust in Vero Beach. Director of UDEST, Captain Jason Douglas said he wont stop. You may be offline. Please check your connection and try again using the Retry button. We will never know the lives saved through this investigation.. $1.6 million worth of fentanyl seized in Montco bust: DA. 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. The Fentanyl seized is enough to kill nearly 30,000 people by overdose, officials say. The deputy immediately removed Ketchum from the vehicle and placed her into custody. Five of the eight people were arrested for possession and intent to distribute meth. Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken spoke about this drug epidemic in the city during the press conference. These young individuals are wasting their lives and risking the lives of others peddling this poison.. The two drugs that we were keying in on which was the crystal meth and also the fenatyl. There are also plans to hand over those cases to the Office of the State Attorney after each investigation is done, with the intention of securing manslaughter indictments. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. The sheriff says getting drugs off Clay Countys streets couldnt have been done without the communitys help. 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. 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? WebMiami-Dade PD Takes Down 5 In Drug Bust Near Kendall School, Confiscating Duffle Bags, Coolers Full Of Narcotics. Deputies: 16 arrested in Volusia County drug busts - News 13 Port Charlotte, FL - March 2, 2023 Deputies approaching a vehicle interrupted a passenger attempting to inject Heroin during a traffic stop. During the search warrant a plethora of drug paraphernalia was located including hundreds of used drug baggies and syringes. Florida man caught in drug conspiracy bust faces life in prison if Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter, Example video title will go here for this video. In the largest methamphetamine seizure in Miami-Dade County history, law enforcement agents seized Spencer, Dawodu and Ogandoare charged in the District of Columbia withconspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. The SWAT team made entry to the home after knocking and announcing who they were. bust If you need help with the Public File, call (954) 364-2526. August 26, 2021 The Escambia County Sheriffs Office has announced the largest marijuana grow and distribution operation ever busted in Escambia County. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 1:14. drug bust Officials say more arrests are likely in the case. 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. All rights reserved. drug bust 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 Authorities said Spencer, Dawodu and Alex Ogando, 35, of Providence, Rhode Island, advertised and sold pressed fentanyl pills throughout the U.S. Several arrested, including former NFL player "We put your tail in the county jail. 01, 2021. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. Are dogs allowed on the beach in Dauphin Island? drug This afternoon Im at @ocalapd for a press conference with UDEST to speak on the opioid epidemic and the arrest of 83 people involved with drugs in Marion Co. @WCJB20 @MCSOFlorida pic.twitter.com/3qW2x9taCc. On March 1, 2023, Narcotics Detectives investigating several overdoses connected to 480 Fletcher Street This all happened less than 400 feet from Pleasant Hill Baptist Church which is an additional charge because it was within 1,000 feet. dogs rescued during Vero Beach drug bust Cox Media Group. Major drug operation nets 13 arrests, millions ', A Frank Conversation: New podcast explores race, religion, politics and more, Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter. From left: Luis Spencer, 31, and Olatunji Dawodu, 36. New Zealand police find 3.5 tons of cocaine in Pacific Ocean. In this instance, eleven guns were in the hands of these felons two of which were stolen. Contact Karl Etters at ketters@tallahassee.com or @KarlEtters on Twitter. Police say they are still looking for Mario Hankerson on a warrant for selling cocaine. In court records detailing several of the arrests, Kevin Choute of Tallahassee is named as the head of the ring. He said much of the violent activity connected to the drug ring happened in the rural county west of Tallahassee. 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PCSO charges 32 suspects during Operation Bell Gang Blues, a 16-month investigation of illegal drug traffickingPhoto: Polk County Sheriffs Office. team makes major drug bust at Pensacola home 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. Download it here. 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 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. major WebWhile searching the house, police found fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, the sheriff's office said. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. 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. In a news conference, Sheriff Grady Judd said drugs like marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines and ecstacy were taken from the Lake Wales area. Win Tickets to see Taylor Swift in Tampa Bay! Stories About Drug Bust - CBS Miami Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. 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. You think about that brothers," Judd said after suggesting he'd help the men come up with a new rap song. 2023 www.tallahassee.com. 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. It amazes me that some people still think drug traffickers are somehow low-level, non-violent criminals. Everything you need to know about Florida's theme parks and the all-new Attractions Insider podcast! Orlando police seize fentanyl, meth, cocaine and cash during We can help you take control and power away from the drug dealer and in so doing, maybe save your own life or the life of somebody else, Balken said. 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. 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. arrested in worldwide drug trafficking operation, including 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. The sheriff said during the news conference that they also raided a Gateway 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. In January, Sheriff Michelle Cook, along with 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. On April 29 You can watch the full news conference below: Breaking news and weather alerts:Get the free 10 Tampa Bay app, Stay In the Know! WebThe drug bust was reportedly sparked by two recent homicides in the area. According to authorities, U.S. authorities teamed up with Europol to make the Operation Dark HunTor arrests. Drug trafficking impacts entire communities with violence and frequency of drug use, he said. Gateway family busted with cocaine & fentanyl in major drug One of 44 suspects arrested in sweeping drug bust in Clay County. 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 PUBLISHED 7:31 PM ET May. According to Judd, McClain told investigators he dyed the methamphetamines blue in recognition of the Democratic Party. Those arrested on various drug-related charges include Raymond Jul 23, 2021. Investigators say Vincent Thomas, 35, and Patrick Field, 34, were also considered main distributors in the area. WebPENSACOLA, Fla (WKRG) The Escambia County Sheriffs Office Narcotics Unit and SWAT Team arrested two men at a home at 2987 Michael Drive and theyre facing Gabriel Cossio, Gabriel Cossio Jr., Melissa Cossio, Jesus Cossio, Aaron Pruitt, and Christopher Ramirez were all arrested on drug charges. PHOTOS: 44 people arrested in massive drug bust in Clay County s Biggest Ever Marijuana Distributor Arrested Major Drug Bust in Florida The vehicle traveled down Veterans Blvd until a deputy was able to make a traffic stop. 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. 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. Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com. arrested in worldwide drug trafficking operation, including VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office arrested 16 people on drugs charges during busts this week. 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. Thomas' father, Earl Thomas, 67, was also among those arrested. Most of these suspects are gang members and contributed to violent crimes, Perez 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.