recent drug bust in florida 2021
According to Judd, McClain told investigators he dyed the methamphetamines blue in recognition of the Democratic Party. They also found $4,557 in cash inside the house. The passenger, identified as 34-year-old Cassidy Ketchum, and driver, identified as Daniel Lamb, left approximately 20 minutes after arriving. A man in south Florida died from a brain-eating infection last month after using tap water during sinus rinses, according to FOX 4. The sheriff said during the news conference that they also raided a Gateway This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. The two drugs that we were keying in on which was the crystal meth and also the fenatyl. Inside the home, they found cocaine, heroin, Oxycodone, MDMA, Tramadol, marijuana, Fentanyl, handguns and drug paraphernalia. This all happened less than 400 feet from Pleasant Hill Baptist Church which is an additional charge because it was within 1,000 feet. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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 suspects from South Florida were identified by authorities as Luis Spencer, 31, and Olatunji Dawodu, 36, both of who are from Fort Lauderdale. Once she returned, the vehicle left. 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. WebWhile searching the house, police found fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, the sheriff's office said. $1.6 million worth of fentanyl seized in Montco bust: DA. Additionally, more than 10 grams of Fentanyl, 7.4 grams of Methamphetamines, Hydromorphone pills, Cannabis and several loaded syringes containing Fentanyl were discovered. All 32 people said to be involved in the drug trafficking operation face a total of 301 felonies and 134 misdemeanors. Port Charlotte, FL - March 2, 2023 Deputies approaching a vehicle interrupted a passenger attempting to inject Heroin during a traffic stop. 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. LCSO Crime scene vans were seen at CLB Collisions & Customs and Rim Source, which was surrounded by crime scene tape. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 150 people were arrested, including two people from South Florida. 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. 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. Download it here. 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. 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? 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. Drug trafficking impacts entire communities with violence and frequency of drug use, he said. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. 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. You think about that brothers," Judd said after suggesting he'd help the men come up with a new rap song. Operation Hammer and Hope (Clay County Sheriff's Office). Thomas' father, Earl Thomas, 67, was also among those arrested. Following a 16-month undercover investigation, Polk County Sheriffs Office undercover Narcotics detectives and the HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) task force made 29 arrests in the Lake Wales area and obtained three arrest warrants related to the trafficking, sale, and possession of illegal narcotics. To keep up with the latest local news subscribe to our TV20 newsletter HERE and receive news straight to your email every morning. Investigators added that more arrests are expected. I believe that if we try hard enough we can do anything, Douglas said. Those arrested on various drug-related charges include Raymond One of 44 suspects arrested in sweeping drug bust in Clay County. Despite 32 people being charged, only 29 have been arrested, according to the sheriff's office. 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. PCSO charges 32 suspects during Operation Bell Gang Blues, a 16-month investigation of Everything you need to know about Florida's theme parks and the all-new Attractions Insider podcast! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. 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. Drug-resistant stomach bug spreading across US: Serious public health alert. Major drug dealer arrested, more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana seized Aug 26, 2021 / 07:59 Why you shouldnt, Pensacola International Airport Travelcast Live Camera, PSGs Hakimi given preliminary charges on rape allegation, Skier Shiffrin locks up overall title, still chases, Olympic ticket sales for Paris Games gets off to, Scherzer tests pitch clock limits, gets quick-pitch, 7 Cubs pitchers combine for no-hitter vs Machado,, Meet the Gulf Coast CW Host: Theo Williams, The 5th Annual Mac and Cheese Festival headlines, The Mac and Cheese Festival is this weekend and were, WWE Hall of Famer The Honky Tonk Man joins Gulf Coast, Rich Harmon from CWs The 100 and the final season, Pensacon 2023: Highlights from the Gulf Coasts biggest, Best athletic wear for kids joining baseball and, How to watch all the Oscar-nominated movies in style, Best smart home devices for older users, according, High interest rates, car prices lead to record loans,, What is a JDM car, and how did they become popular, 3 reasons you shouldnt wait to file taxes this year. 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. 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, In this instance, eleven guns were in the hands of these felons two of which were stolen. 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. 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. 1:14. 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. 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. Are dogs allowed on the beach in Dauphin Island? Copyright 2021 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved. 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. Subscribe to 104.5 WOKV newsletter(Opens a new window), 104.5 WOKV facebook feed(Opens a new window), 104.5 WOKV twitter feed(Opens a new window), 104.5 WOKV instagram feed(Opens a new window). 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. Tune in to FOX 35 Orlando for the latest Central These young individuals are wasting their lives and risking the lives of others peddling this poison.. There were more than 100 charges from the cases, including over 80 felonies. 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. 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. Jul 23, 2021. On April 29 Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said this is one of the largest drug busts in LCSO history. If you need help with the Public File, call (954) 364-2526. Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter, Example video title will go here for this video. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of various narcotics and ties to a local drug house. 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. 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? A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of various narcotics and ties to a local drug house. Ketchum was observed exiting the vehicle and entering the home. Are dogs allowed on the beach in Gulf Shores? Reach out for help. 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 Fentanyl seized is enough to kill nearly 30,000 people by overdose, officials say. Enable our Skill today to listen live at home on your Alexa Devices! The deputy immediately removed Ketchum from the vehicle and placed her into custody. A 9mm handgun was also seized during the operation, investigators said. 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. Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. They cause crime, that crime creates additional victims. We will never know the lives saved through this investigation.. 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. Police say they are still looking for Mario Hankerson on a warrant for selling cocaine. One of the top suspects was murdered during the investigation, which began in June, and his son was charged in another murder. Angela Dunklebarger, 49, Tavoris Jones, 37, and Reginald Phillips, 37, remain at large, according to law enforcement. (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. You can watch the full news conference below: Breaking news and weather alerts:Get the free 10 Tampa Bay app, Stay In the Know! WebPolk Sheriff talks about major drug bust and makes up a rap verse. 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 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. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. Most of these suspects are gang members and contributed to violent crimes, Perez said. Never miss a story: Subscribe to the Tallahassee Democrat using the link at the top of the page. TRENDING STORY: Gainesville man arrested for pulling gun on his brother. Some will face prosecution at the circuit level while some are likely to face statewide prosecutors. 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. The vehicle traveled down Veterans Blvd until a deputy was able to make a traffic stop. Learn More. While several arrests were made in Tallahassee, a large part of the operation ran through Gadsden County. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 150 people were arrested, including two people from South Florida. WebCLAY COUNTY, Fla. The Clay County Sheriffs Office said Thursday 44 people are behind bars following a massive drug bust. 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. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. 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. 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. Gateway family busted with cocaine & fentanyl in major drug operation, North Port man crashed through FHP homicide investigation, Motorcyclist dead after crash at Fort Myers shopping center. If youre struggling with addiction, you can get help Friday at Wilkinson Elementary School from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken spoke about this drug epidemic in the city during the press conference. PCSO charges 32 suspects during Operation Bell Gang Blues, a 16-month investigation of illegal drug traffickingPhoto: Polk County Sheriffs Office. Amanda Batchelor, Digital Executive Producer. He said much of the violent activity connected to the drug ring happened in the rural county west of Tallahassee. 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.. 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. 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. August 26, 2021 The Escambia County Sheriffs Office has announced the largest marijuana grow and distribution operation ever busted in Escambia County. "We put your tail in the county jail. 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. Gabriel Cossio, Gabriel Cossio Jr., Melissa Cossio, Jesus Cossio, Aaron Pruitt, and Christopher Ramirez were all arrested on drug charges. PUBLISHED 7:31 PM ET May. They hurt parents and siblings and spouses and most of all our children, Cook said. Altogether, the suspects have 645 previous charges, including 314 prior felonies and 331 prior misdemeanors. Judd said the two were rappers and liked to show off the guns and jewelry they obtained. 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 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. Deputies and detectives from the West Volusia Narcotics Task Force and Deltona Narcotics Enforcement Team were part of the operation. The operation resulted in the seizure of weapons, drugs and more than $31 million in cash and virtual currencies. 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.