STARKE, Fla. (WCJB) - The Starke Police Department arrested eight people in connection with a drug distribution ring early Monday morning. 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. 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. 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. They cause crime, that crime creates additional victims. Deputies approaching a vehicle interrupted a passenger attempting to inject Heroin during a traffic stop. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. The deputy immediately removed Ketchum from the vehicle and placed her into custody. Ketchum was observed exiting the vehicle and entering the home. He allegedly had multiple "stash houses" in town that were raided by police who discovered drugs, cash and guns. Samantha Mathers is a digital reporter and content creator for Action News Jax. 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. 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. 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. In a news conference, Sheriff Grady Judd said drugs like marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines and ecstacy were taken from the Lake Wales area. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office arrested 16 people on drugs charges during busts this week. Cox Media Group. 1:14. Are dogs allowed on the beach in Gulf Shores? Director of UDEST, Captain Jason Douglas said he wont stop. 2023 www.tallahassee.com. 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. 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.. WebThe drug bust was reportedly sparked by two recent homicides in the area. Drug-resistant stomach bug spreading across US: Serious public health alert. 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. During a press conference Thursday morning, Judd said earlier this year the Polk County Sheriffs Office High Everything you need to know about Florida's theme parks and the all-new Attractions Insider podcast! The two drugs that we were keying in on which was the crystal meth and also the fenatyl. 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. Nearly 2 dozen arrested in Delaware drug bust. 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. 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. Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken spoke about this drug epidemic in the city during the press conference. The sheriff said during the news conference that they also raided a Gateway home on Avalon Lake Circle. Five people have been arrested in connection to a huge Illegal drugs ruin lives, destroy families, drive up property crime, and wreck neighborhoods. Two people, including the father of former Florida State and NFL player Letroy Guion, were charged for selling cocaine. WebMiami-Dade PD Takes Down 5 In Drug Bust Near Kendall School, Confiscating Duffle Bags, Coolers Full Of Narcotics. 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. 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. 01, 2021. When deputies finished their search, they were seen carrying computers along with a box filled with evidence bags. PUBLISHED 7:31 PM ET May. He said much of the violent activity connected to the drug ring happened in the rural county west of Tallahassee. WebPolk Sheriff talks about major drug bust and makes up a rap verse. On April 29 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. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. 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. WebPUBLISHED 7:31 PM ET May. Everything you love about wokv.com and more! 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. Contact Karl Etters at ketters@tallahassee.com or @KarlEtters on Twitter. 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. 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. 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 drug busts, which started at 4 a.m. on Monday, took place at the Budget Inn and Bradford Inn, which are both located along Hwy 301, and in a residential area on North Pine Street which is located off of SR 16. In court records detailing several of the arrests, Kevin Choute of Tallahassee is named as the head of the ring. 0:00. 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. 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. WebCLAY COUNTY, Fla. The Clay County Sheriffs Office said Thursday 44 people are behind bars following a massive drug bust. WebNOW PLAYING ABOVE. You can watch the full news conference below: Breaking news and weather alerts:Get the free 10 Tampa Bay app, Stay In the Know! Copyright 2021 WCJB. LEE COUNTY, Fla. Six people were arrested in a massive drug bust at an auto body shop in Lee County. (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. 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. To keep up with the latest local news subscribe to our TV20 newsletter HERE and receive news straight to your email every morning. 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. 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. I believe that if we try hard enough we can do anything, Douglas said. Win Tickets to see Taylor Swift in Tampa Bay! 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. One of 44 suspects arrested in sweeping drug bust in Clay County. 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. Sign up below to be added to our mailing list for the latest news updates, access to exclusive contests, and more! 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. Two men from South Florida are among more than 100 people who were recently arrested in connection with a Darknet drug trafficking bust. Police say they are still looking for Mario Hankerson on a warrant for selling cocaine. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said a long-term drug investigation took down a major drug distribution ring in Jacksonville 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. According to authorities, U.S. authorities teamed up with Europol to make the Operation Dark HunTor arrests. Jul 23, 2021. Residents like Tasia Beener said they are glad the Sheriff's Office is trying to get drugs off the streets. They hurt parents and siblings and spouses and most of all our children, Cook said. FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said those arrested had 93 prior drug arrests, including some federal, 67 prior violentcrime arrests and 175 prior felony counts. 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. 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. Drugs dont just affect one person. 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. In January, Sheriff Michelle Cook, along with Those arrested on various drug-related charges include Raymond 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. These young individuals are wasting their lives and risking the lives of others peddling this poison.. 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. The vehicle traveled down Veterans Blvd until a deputy was able to make a traffic stop. 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 Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com. The fentayl is really bad right now.. Once she returned, the vehicle left. 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. Judd said the two were rappers and liked to show off the guns and jewelry they obtained. Inside the home, they found cocaine, heroin, Oxycodone, MDMA, Tramadol, marijuana, Fentanyl, handguns and drug paraphernalia. Brown had an active warrant for trafficking in heroin. One of the top suspects was murdered during the investigation, which began in June, and his son was charged in another murder. TRENDING STORY: Gainesville man arrested for pulling gun on his brother. 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. 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. We will never know the lives saved through this investigation.. 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. Narcotics detectives also located 24 Buprenorphine films inside the vehicle Kellie Coe was driving. 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? My team and I remain dedicated to eradicating the sale of illegal drugs in our community. According to Judd, McClain told investigators he dyed the methamphetamines blue in recognition of the Democratic Party. Are dogs allowed on the beach in Dauphin Island? 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. Melonie Holt We cannot allow these Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More. All Rights Reserved. (Clay County Sheriff's Office), STAY UPDATED:Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on breaking stories. A cocaine/heroin/fentanyl mixture weighed in at 189.5 grams. CLAY COUNTY, Fla. The Clay County Sheriffs Office said Thursday 44 people are behind bars following a massive drug bust. Major drug dealer arrested, more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana seized Aug 26, 2021 / 07:59 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. While several arrests were made in Tallahassee, a large part of the operation ran through Gadsden County. Out of those 900 cases, 119 people lost their lives. 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. Starke Chief of Police Jeff Johnson says that the main drugs that they were concerned with were meth and fentanyl. Authorities said Spencer, Dawodu and Alex Ogando, 35, of Providence, Rhode Island, advertised and sold pressed fentanyl pills throughout the U.S. PCSO charges 32 suspects during Operation Bell Gang Blues, a 16-month investigation of illegal drug traffickingPhoto: Polk County Sheriffs Office. 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 Fentanyl seized is enough to kill nearly 30,000 people by overdose, officials say. On March 1, 2023, Narcotics Detectives investigating several overdoses connected to 480 Fletcher Street Despite 32 people being charged, only 29 have been arrested, according to the sheriff's office. ', A Frank Conversation: New podcast explores race, religion, politics and more, Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter. 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. One of 44 suspects arrested in sweeping drug bust in Clay County. All rights reserved. Some will face prosecution at the circuit level while some are likely to face statewide prosecutors. VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office arrested 16 people on drugs charges during busts this week. To keep up with the latest local news subscribe to our TV20 newsletter HERE and receive news straight to your email every morning. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Five of the eight people were arrested for possession and intent to distribute meth. A man in south Florida died from a brain-eating infection last month after using tap water during sinus rinses, according to FOX 4. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The suspects from South Florida were identified by authorities as Luis Spencer, 31, and Olatunji Dawodu, 36, both of who are from Fort Lauderdale. You think about that brothers," Judd said after suggesting he'd help the men come up with a new rap song. All rights reserved. The sheriff says getting drugs off Clay Countys streets couldnt have been done without the communitys help. All 32 people said to be involved in the drug trafficking operation face a total of 301 felonies and 134 misdemeanors. 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. Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter, Example video title will go here for this video. Reach out to your local police department, your sheriffs office, ask for that help. Copyright 2021 WCJB. VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office arrested 16 people on drugs charges during busts this week. 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. Investigators added that more arrests are expected. 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. 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. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 150 people were arrested, including two people from South Florida. 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. WebU.S. Thomas' father, Earl Thomas, 67, was also among those arrested. Never miss a story: Subscribe to the Tallahassee Democrat using the link at the top of the page. They also found $4,557 in cash inside the house. Drug trafficking impacts entire communities with violence and frequency of drug use, he said. 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. A 9mm handgun was also seized during the operation, investigators said.

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