Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com. All 32 people said to be involved in the drug trafficking operation face a total of 301 felonies and 134 misdemeanors. 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 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 fentayl is really bad right now.. According to the sheriff's office, the group was attempting to traffic drugs with a total street value of $283,820. CLAY COUNTY, Fla. The Clay County Sheriffs Office said Thursday 44 people are behind bars following a massive drug bust. Melonie Holt We cannot allow these 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. Police say they are still looking for Mario Hankerson on a warrant for selling cocaine. I believe that if we try hard enough we can do anything, Douglas said. DeSantis responds to St. Pete Mayor Kriseman's criticisms: 'How did I politicize red tide? In January, Sheriff Michelle Cook, along with Despite 32 people being charged, only 29 have been arrested, according to the sheriff's office. Narcotics detectives also located 24 Buprenorphine films inside the vehicle Kellie Coe was driving. On April 29 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. Additionally, more than 10 grams of Fentanyl, 7.4 grams of Methamphetamines, Hydromorphone pills, Cannabis and several loaded syringes containing Fentanyl were discovered. A 9mm handgun was also seized during the operation, investigators said. The Fentanyl seized is enough to kill nearly 30,000 people by overdose, officials say. Starke Chief of Police Jeff Johnson says that the main drugs that they were concerned with were meth and fentanyl. 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 They hurt parents and siblings and spouses and most of all our children, Cook said. They arrested Marcus Blankenship and Steven Brown and there were three other people inside at the time. We will never know the lives saved through this investigation.. 0:00. 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. 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. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. 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, 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. 01, 2021. 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. 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The sheriff said during the news conference that they also raided a Gateway 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. 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. Five of the eight people were arrested for possession and intent to distribute meth. Are dogs allowed on the beach in Dauphin Island? 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. 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. VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office arrested 16 people on drugs charges during busts this week. 4 people were arrested and 6 animals were rescued at a recent drug bust in Vero Beach. 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. 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. From left: Luis Spencer, 31, and Olatunji Dawodu, 36. 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. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. Investigators added that more arrests are expected. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. PCSO charges 32 suspects during Operation Bell Gang Blues, a 16-month investigation of 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. Drug-resistant stomach bug spreading across US: Serious public health alert. Copyright 2023 Local10.com is published by WPLG INC., a Berkshire Hathaway company. Download it here. If youre struggling with addiction, you can get help Friday at Wilkinson Elementary School from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Once she returned, the vehicle left. Officials say more arrests are likely in the case. 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. WebThe drug bust was reportedly sparked by two recent homicides in the area. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. 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. 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They were also perpetrators of violence, Perez said. Drugs dont just affect one person. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Five people have been arrested in connection to a huge Copyright 2021 WCJB. 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. 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. The vehicle traveled down Veterans Blvd until a deputy was able to make a traffic stop. The passenger, identified as 34-year-old Cassidy Ketchum, and driver, identified as Daniel Lamb, left approximately 20 minutes after arriving. In a news conference, Sheriff Grady Judd said drugs like marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines and ecstacy were taken from the Lake Wales area. 2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. 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? 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). This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. Judd said James McClain, 34, was a major distributor of methamphetamines and marijuana in the Lake Wales area. 1:14. 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. 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. Investigators say Vincent Thomas, 35, and Patrick Field, 34, were also considered main distributors in the area. My team and I remain dedicated to eradicating the sale of illegal drugs in our community. The sheriff says getting drugs off Clay Countys streets couldnt have been done without the communitys help. Brown had an active warrant for trafficking in heroin. To keep up with the latest local news subscribe to our TV20 newsletter HERE and receive news straight to your email every morning. 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. 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. Deputies and detectives from the West Volusia Narcotics Task Force and Deltona Narcotics Enforcement Team were part of the operation. All Rights Reserved. There were more than 100 charges from the cases, including over 80 felonies. Your browser does not support HTML5 audio. 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. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Out of those 900 cases, 119 people lost their lives. During a press conference Thursday morning, Judd said earlier this year the Polk County Sheriffs Office High FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said those arrested had 93 prior drug arrests, including some federal, 67 prior violentcrime arrests and 175 prior felony counts. The sheriff said during the news conference that they also raided a Gateway home on Avalon Lake Circle. 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Two men from South Florida are among more than 100 people who were recently arrested in connection with a Darknet drug trafficking bust. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. Residents like Tasia Beener said they are glad the Sheriff's Office is trying to get drugs off the streets. Never miss a story: Subscribe to the Tallahassee Democrat using the link at the top of the page. Authorities said Spencer, Dawodu and Alex Ogando, 35, of Providence, Rhode Island, advertised and sold pressed fentanyl pills throughout the U.S. (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. Nearly 2 dozen arrested in Delaware drug bust. He allegedly had multiple "stash houses" in town that were raided by police who discovered drugs, cash and guns. 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. Sign up below to be added to our mailing list for the latest news updates, access to exclusive contests, and more! WebLee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said this is one of the largest drug busts in LCSO history. The SWAT team made entry to the home after knocking and announcing who they were. According to Judd, McClain told investigators he dyed the methamphetamines blue in recognition of the Democratic Party. 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. 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. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. To keep up with the latest local news subscribe to our TV20 newsletter HERE and receive news straight to your email every morning. Thomas' father, Earl Thomas, 67, was also among those arrested. WebRecent Posts. Cox Media Group. Some will face prosecution at the circuit level while some are likely to face statewide prosecutors. These young individuals are wasting their lives and risking the lives of others peddling this poison.. Jul 23, 2021. 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.. 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. 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. Operation Hammer and Hope (Clay County Sheriff's Office). 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. Director of UDEST, Captain Jason Douglas said he wont stop. WebPUBLISHED 7:31 PM ET May. WebCLAY COUNTY, Fla. The Clay County Sheriffs Office said Thursday 44 people are behind bars following a massive drug bust. 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. 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. A man in south Florida died from a brain-eating infection last month after using tap water during sinus rinses, according to FOX 4. 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. Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. On March 1, 2023, Narcotics Detectives investigating several overdoses connected to 480 Fletcher Street Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter, Example video title will go here for this video. 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. Altogether, the suspects have 645 previous charges, including 314 prior felonies and 331 prior misdemeanors. Perez said suspects would come to Tallahassee to conduct business then hide out in Gadsden where there are fewer law enforcement resources. In the largest methamphetamine seizure in Miami-Dade County history, law enforcement agents seized Contact Karl Etters at ketters@tallahassee.com or @KarlEtters on Twitter. 01, 2021. Everything you need to know about the next launch and detailed coverage on space missions. Win Tickets to see Taylor Swift in Tampa Bay! A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of various narcotics and ties to a local drug house. 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. 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. 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Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Everything you love about wokv.com and more! 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. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of various narcotics and ties to a local drug house. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. 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, Port Charlotte, FL - March 2, 2023 Deputies approaching a vehicle interrupted a passenger attempting to inject Heroin during a traffic stop. WebA man is in jail after the largest marijuana bust in Escambia County history. 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.