recent drug bust in florida 2021 recent drug bust in florida 2021

LAKE 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. In court records detailing several of the arrests, Kevin Choute of Tallahassee is named as the head of the ring. One of the top suspects was murdered during the investigation, which began in June, and his son was charged in another murder. 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. 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? The two drugs that we were keying in on which was the crystal meth and also the fenatyl. Judd said James McClain, 34, was a major distributor of methamphetamines and marijuana in the Lake Wales area. 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. From left: Luis Spencer, 31, and Olatunji Dawodu, 36. Are dogs allowed on the beach in Gulf Shores? 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. Authorities said Spencer, Dawodu and Alex Ogando, 35, of Providence, Rhode Island, advertised and sold pressed fentanyl pills throughout the U.S. 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. 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WebWhile searching the house, police found fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, the sheriff's office said. Additionally, more than 10 grams of Fentanyl, 7.4 grams of Methamphetamines, Hydromorphone pills, Cannabis and several loaded syringes containing Fentanyl were discovered. Everything you love about wokv.com and more! Operation Hammer and Hope (Clay County Sheriff's Office). Lee County deputies served several search warrants and detectives found $1 million in cash as well as kilos of cocaine and fentanyl. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 150 people were arrested, including two people from South Florida. 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. 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. WebLee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said this is one of the largest drug busts in LCSO history. They hurt parents and siblings and spouses and most of all our children, Cook said. 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. 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. 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. Nearly 2 dozen arrested in Delaware drug bust. Sign up below to be added to our mailing list for the latest news updates, access to exclusive contests, and more! You think about that brothers," Judd said after suggesting he'd help the men come up with a new rap song. 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. 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. 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? 2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. August 26, 2021 The Escambia County Sheriffs Office has announced the largest marijuana grow and distribution operation ever busted in Escambia County. The sheriff said during the news conference that they also raided a Gateway Two people, including the father of former Florida State and NFL player Letroy Guion, were charged for selling cocaine. WebThey 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 All Rights Reserved. Major drug dealer arrested, more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana seized Aug 26, 2021 / 07:59 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. If youre struggling with addiction, you can get help Friday at Wilkinson Elementary School from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 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. 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. 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. 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. Download it here. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of various narcotics and ties to a local drug house. In a news conference, We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said a long-term drug investigation took down a major drug distribution ring in Jacksonville 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. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of various narcotics and ties to a local drug house. 2023 www.tallahassee.com. They arrested Marcus Blankenship and Steven Brown and there were three other people inside at the time. Some will face prosecution at the circuit level while some are likely to face statewide prosecutors. 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 1:14. There were more than 100 charges from the cases, including over 80 felonies. PCSO charges 32 suspects during Operation Bell Gang Blues, a 16-month investigation of These young individuals are wasting their lives and risking the lives of others peddling this poison.. 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. Investigators say Vincent Thomas, 35, and Patrick Field, 34, were also considered main distributors in the area. Judd said the two were rappers and liked to show off the guns and jewelry they obtained. STARKE, Fla. (WCJB) - The Starke Police Department arrested eight people in connection with a drug distribution ring early Monday morning. Starke Chief of Police Jeff Johnson says that the main drugs that they were concerned with were meth and fentanyl. All 32 people said to be involved in the drug trafficking operation face a total of 301 felonies and 134 misdemeanors. They were also perpetrators of violence, Perez said. The deputy immediately removed Ketchum from the vehicle and placed her into custody. Copyright 2023 Waterman Broadcasting of Florida, LLC, Home News Local Gateway family busted with cocaine & fentanyl in major drug operation. VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office arrested 16 people on drugs charges during busts this week. According to Judd, McClain told investigators he dyed the methamphetamines blue in recognition of the Democratic Party. To keep up with the latest local news subscribe to our TV20 newsletter HERE and receive news straight to your email every morning. (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. (Clay County Sheriff's Office), STAY UPDATED:Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on breaking stories. 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. Angela Dunklebarger, 49, Tavoris Jones, 37, and Reginald Phillips, 37, remain at large, according to law enforcement. 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. The SWAT team made entry to the home after knocking and announcing who they were. He said much of the violent activity connected to the drug ring happened in the rural county west of Tallahassee. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Ketchum was observed exiting the vehicle and entering the home. According to authorities, U.S. authorities teamed up with Europol to make the Operation Dark HunTor arrests. Drug-resistant stomach bug spreading across US: Serious public health alert. 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. On March 1, 2023, Narcotics Detectives investigating several overdoses connected to 480 Fletcher Street New Zealand police find 3.5 tons of cocaine in Pacific Ocean. VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office arrested 16 people on drugs charges during busts this week. The sheriff said, during their investigation, deputies discovered there were three key players behind the drug trafficking. If you are a drug dealer understand that we have a highly trained and professional team of patrol deputies and detectives who love our community and will not allow you to prey upon our children and families, Cook said. 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. Jul 23, 2021. Thomas' father, Earl Thomas, 67, was also among those arrested. Enable our Skill today to listen live at home on your Alexa Devices! 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. $1.6 million worth of fentanyl seized in Montco bust: DA. 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. 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 Learn More. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. The fentayl is really bad right now.. There will also be a no-questions-asked drug drop-off location. Narcotics detectives also located 24 Buprenorphine films inside the vehicle Kellie Coe was driving. 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. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. WebMiami-Dade PD Takes Down 5 In Drug Bust Near Kendall School, Confiscating Duffle Bags, Coolers Full Of Narcotics. Are dogs allowed on the beach in Dauphin Island? All 32 people said to be involved in the drug trafficking operation face a total of 301 felonies and 134 misdemeanors. A man in south Florida died from a brain-eating infection last month after using tap water during sinus rinses, according to FOX 4. 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. 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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Inside the home, they found cocaine, heroin, Oxycodone, MDMA, Tramadol, marijuana, Fentanyl, handguns and drug paraphernalia. 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. WebPolk Sheriff talks about major drug bust and makes up a rap verse. To keep up with the latest local news subscribe to our TV20 newsletter HERE and receive news straight to your email every morning. 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. 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. 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Out of those 900 cases, 119 people lost their lives. 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DeSantis responds to St. Pete Mayor Kriseman's criticisms: 'How did I politicize red tide? All rights reserved. Drugs dont just affect one person. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 150 people were arrested, including two people from South Florida. The suspects from South Florida were identified by authorities as Luis Spencer, 31, and Olatunji Dawodu, 36, both of who are from Fort Lauderdale. While several arrests were made in Tallahassee, a large part of the operation ran through Gadsden County. Illegal drugs ruin lives, destroy families, drive up property crime, and wreck neighborhoods. PENSACOLA Eleven people from Fort Walton Beach, Mary Esther, Navarre and Miramar Beach were sentenced Friday to multi-year federal prison terms on drug-related charges. One of the accounts was operated out of the Miami area and the other out of the Providence, Rhode Island, area.. WebCLAY COUNTY, Fla. The Clay County Sheriffs Office said Thursday 44 people are behind bars following a massive drug bust. Deputies and detectives from the West Volusia Narcotics Task Force and Deltona Narcotics Enforcement Team were part of the operation. Related story: Ocala police uncover drug operation run by father and son during shooting investigation. WebA man is in jail after the largest marijuana bust in Escambia County history. Never miss a story: Subscribe to the Tallahassee Democrat using the link at the top of the page. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. Altogether, the suspects have 645 previous charges, including 314 prior felonies and 331 prior misdemeanors. LCSO Crime scene vans were seen at CLB Collisions & Customs and Rim Source, which was surrounded by crime scene tape. CLAY COUNTY, Fla. The Clay County Sheriffs Office said Thursday 44 people are behind bars following a massive drug bust. 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. We will never know the lives saved through this investigation.. Copyright 2021 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved. The sheriff says getting drugs off Clay Countys streets couldnt have been done without the communitys help. The big scale when you look at it, and you look at the big picture, some would say its something we just cant beat, I dont believe that. During the search warrant a plethora of drug paraphernalia was located including hundreds of used drug baggies and syringes. 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. Cox Media Group. PCSO charges 32 suspects during Operation Bell Gang Blues, a 16-month investigation of illegal drug traffickingPhoto: Polk County Sheriffs Office. 01, 2021. 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. 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. Tune in to FOX 35 Orlando for the latest Central The sheriff said during the news conference that they also raided a Gateway home on Avalon Lake Circle. One of 44 suspects arrested in sweeping drug bust in Clay County. Gabriel Cossio, Gabriel Cossio Jr., Melissa Cossio, Jesus Cossio, Aaron Pruitt, and Christopher Ramirez were all arrested on drug charges. 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. 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. PUBLISHED 7:31 PM ET May. Please check your connection and try again using the Retry button. Drug trafficking impacts entire communities with violence and frequency of drug use, he said. What is a COVID-19 vaccine 'breakthrough' case? 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. He allegedly had multiple "stash houses" in town that were raided by police who discovered drugs, cash and guns. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com. The passenger, identified as 34-year-old Cassidy Ketchum, and driver, identified as Daniel Lamb, left approximately 20 minutes after arriving. All rights reserved. On April 29 and 30 deputies and investigators hit areas in DeLand and Deltona. The operation resulted in the seizure of weapons, drugs and more than $31 million in cash and virtual currencies. 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. Officials said that several suspects who were directly involved with opioid overdose death investigations were arrested. 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. VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office arrested 16 people on drugs charges during busts this week.