Officials say more arrests are likely in the case. Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter, Example video title will go here for this video. Are dogs allowed on the beach in Dauphin Island? You may be offline. 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, Samantha Mathers is a digital reporter and content creator for Action News Jax. They had 9.3 grams of marijuana, 1.6 grams of cocaine, 3.2 grams of Oxycodone pills, 3.5 grams of MDMA pills that test positive for methamphetamine and 2.3 grams of Tramadol pills. 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. 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. WebPUBLISHED 7:31 PM ET May. Narcotics detectives also located 24 Buprenorphine films inside the vehicle Kellie Coe was driving. 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. Altogether, the suspects have 645 previous charges, including 314 prior felonies and 331 prior misdemeanors. Despite 32 people being charged, only 29 have been arrested, according to the sheriff's office. 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. They hurt parents and siblings and spouses and most of all our children, Cook said. Judd said James McClain, 34, was a major distributor of methamphetamines and marijuana in the Lake Wales area. On April 29 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. From left: Luis Spencer, 31, and Olatunji Dawodu, 36. 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. Residents like Tasia Beener said they are glad the Sheriff's Office is trying to get drugs off the streets. All Rights Reserved. Authorities said Spencer, Dawodu and Alex Ogando, 35, of Providence, Rhode Island, advertised and sold pressed fentanyl pills throughout the U.S. Operation Hammer and Hope (Clay County Sheriff's Office). In January, Sheriff Michelle Cook, along with WebU.S. When deputies finished their search, they were seen carrying computers along with a box filled with evidence bags. ', A Frank Conversation: New podcast explores race, religion, politics and more, Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter. Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken spoke about this drug epidemic in the city during the press conference. 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. While several arrests were made in Tallahassee, a large part of the operation ran through Gadsden County. 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. WebRecent Posts. The sheriff said during the news conference that they also raided a Gateway home on Avalon Lake Circle. Cox Media Group. 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. Drugs dont just affect one person. Sign up below to be added to our mailing list for the latest news updates, access to exclusive contests, and more! JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said a long-term drug investigation took down a major drug distribution ring in Jacksonville The Fentanyl seized is enough to kill nearly 30,000 people by overdose, officials say. All rights reserved. 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. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Related story: Ocala police uncover drug operation run by father and son during shooting investigation. Your browser does not support HTML5 audio. 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. Contact Karl Etters at ketters@tallahassee.com or @KarlEtters on Twitter. 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. Major drug dealer arrested, more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana seized Aug 26, 2021 / 07:59 What is a COVID-19 vaccine 'breakthrough' case? 01, 2021. 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. 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? Are dogs allowed on the beach in Gulf Shores? 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. Enable our Skill today to listen live at home on your Alexa Devices! In this instance, eleven guns were in the hands of these felons two of which were stolen. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. 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. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 150 people were arrested, including two people from South Florida. Deputies and detectives from the West Volusia Narcotics Task Force and Deltona Narcotics Enforcement Team were part of the operation. 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. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 150 people were arrested, including two people from South Florida. You think about that brothers," Judd said after suggesting he'd help the men come up with a new rap song. "We put your tail in the county jail. 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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During a press conference Thursday morning, Judd said earlier this year the Polk County Sheriffs Office High 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. 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. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of various narcotics and ties to a local drug house. Illegal drugs ruin lives, destroy families, drive up property crime, and wreck neighborhoods. Brown had an active warrant for trafficking in heroin. 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. 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. 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Nearly 2 dozen arrested in Delaware drug bust. The operation resulted in the seizure of weapons, drugs and more than $31 million in cash and virtual currencies. Copyright 2021 WCJB. 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. According to the sheriff's office, the group was attempting to traffic drugs with a total street value of $283,820. One of 44 suspects arrested in sweeping drug bust in Clay County. 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. WebLee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said this is one of the largest drug busts in LCSO history. Investigators added that more arrests are expected. Inside the home, they found cocaine, heroin, Oxycodone, MDMA, Tramadol, marijuana, Fentanyl, handguns and drug paraphernalia. Gabriel Cossio, Gabriel Cossio Jr., Melissa Cossio, Jesus Cossio, Aaron Pruitt, and Christopher Ramirez were all arrested on drug charges. According to Judd, McClain told investigators he dyed the methamphetamines blue in recognition of the Democratic Party. Win Tickets to see Taylor Swift in Tampa Bay! To keep up with the latest local news subscribe to our TV20 newsletter HERE and receive news straight to your email every morning. Starke Chief of Police Jeff Johnson says that the main drugs that they were concerned with were meth and fentanyl. 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). The vehicle traveled down Veterans Blvd until a deputy was able to make a traffic stop. In court records detailing several of the arrests, Kevin Choute of Tallahassee is named as the head of the ring. Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of various narcotics and ties to a local drug house. Tune in to FOX 35 Orlando for the latest Central 0:00. The sheriff said, during their investigation, deputies discovered there were three key players behind the drug trafficking. 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. 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 The passenger, identified as 34-year-old Cassidy Ketchum, and driver, identified as Daniel Lamb, left approximately 20 minutes after arriving. The sheriff says getting drugs off Clay Countys streets couldnt have been done without the communitys help. WebThe drug bust was reportedly sparked by two recent homicides in the area. Lee County deputies served several search warrants and detectives found $1 million in cash as well as kilos of cocaine and fentanyl. Download it here. The deputy immediately removed Ketchum from the vehicle and placed her into custody. They cause crime, that crime creates additional victims. 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. 2023 www.tallahassee.com. WebNOW PLAYING ABOVE. VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office arrested 16 people on drugs charges during busts this week. FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said those arrested had 93 prior drug arrests, including some federal, 67 prior violentcrime arrests and 175 prior felony counts. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. One of 44 suspects arrested in sweeping drug bust in Clay County. All rights reserved. Ketchum was observed exiting the vehicle and entering the home. New Zealand police find 3.5 tons of cocaine in Pacific Ocean. 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. You can watch the full news conference below: Breaking news and weather alerts:Get the free 10 Tampa Bay app, Stay In the Know! 01, 2021. 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. 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. WebPolk Sheriff talks about major drug bust and makes up a rap verse. 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. Never miss a story: Subscribe to the Tallahassee Democrat using the link at the top of the page. They arrested Marcus Blankenship and Steven Brown and there were three other people inside at the time. The fentayl is really bad right now.. The two drugs that we were keying in on which was the crystal meth and also the fenatyl. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Out of those 900 cases, 119 people lost their lives. Two men from South Florida are among more than 100 people who were recently arrested in connection with a Darknet drug trafficking bust. Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said this is one of the largest drug busts in LCSO history. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. They also found $4,557 in cash inside the house. VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office arrested 16 people on drugs charges during busts this week. STARKE, Fla. (WCJB) - The Starke Police Department arrested eight people in connection with a drug distribution ring early Monday morning. According to authorities, U.S. authorities teamed up with Europol to make the Operation Dark HunTor arrests. 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. Thomas' father, Earl Thomas, 67, was also among those arrested. 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. My team and I remain dedicated to eradicating the sale of illegal drugs in our community. (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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. PCSO charges 32 suspects during Operation Bell Gang Blues, a 16-month investigation of illegal drug traffickingPhoto: Polk County Sheriffs Office. 4 people were arrested and 6 animals were rescued at a recent drug bust in Vero Beach. Most of these suspects are gang members and contributed to violent crimes, Perez said. WebWhile searching the house, police found fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, the sheriff's office said. 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. Amanda Batchelor, Digital Executive Producer. 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.. The SWAT team made entry to the home after knocking and announcing who they were. Officials said that several suspects who were directly involved with opioid overdose death investigations were arrested. 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. LCSO Crime scene vans were seen at CLB Collisions & Customs and Rim Source, which was surrounded by crime scene tape. In the largest methamphetamine seizure in Miami-Dade County history, law enforcement agents seized Investigators say Vincent Thomas, 35, and Patrick Field, 34, were also considered main distributors in the area. Deputies approaching a vehicle interrupted a passenger attempting to inject Heroin during a traffic stop. All rights reserved. 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. 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. WebA man is in jail after the largest marijuana bust in Escambia County history. Director of UDEST, Captain Jason Douglas said he wont stop. There will also be a no-questions-asked drug drop-off location. 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. Copyright 2021 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved. 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. If you need help with the Public File, call (954) 364-2526. TRENDING STORY: Gainesville man arrested for pulling gun on his brother.