You can watch the full news conference below: Breaking news and weather alerts:Get the free 10 Tampa Bay app, Stay In the Know! The SWAT team made entry to the home after knocking and announcing who they were. 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. WebThe drug bust was reportedly sparked by two recent homicides in the area. Copyright 2021 WCJB. One of 44 suspects arrested in sweeping drug bust in Clay County. In court records detailing several of the arrests, Kevin Choute of Tallahassee is named as the head of the ring. 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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. Copyright 2023 Waterman Broadcasting of Florida, LLC, Home News Local Gateway family busted with cocaine & fentanyl in major drug operation. Those arrested on various drug-related charges include Raymond 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. 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.. WebLee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said this is one of the largest drug busts in LCSO history. Contact Karl Etters at ketters@tallahassee.com or @KarlEtters on Twitter. 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. PUBLISHED 7:31 PM ET May. 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. VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office arrested 16 people on drugs charges during busts this week. 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. Deputies approaching a vehicle interrupted a passenger attempting to inject Heroin during a traffic stop. You may be offline. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. The two drugs that we were keying in on which was the crystal meth and also the fenatyl. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. According to police, Starke and Lawtey Police Department officers arrested the eight individuals in various parts of the county in connection to the drug ring. The deputy immediately removed Ketchum from the vehicle and placed her into custody. 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. WebRecent Posts. Officials say more arrests are likely in the case. Director of UDEST, Captain Jason Douglas said he wont stop. According to the sheriff's office, the group was attempting to traffic drugs with a total street value of $283,820. 1:14. WebU.S. There were more than 100 charges from the cases, including over 80 felonies. 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. 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. 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. There will also be a no-questions-asked drug drop-off location. Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com. In this instance, eleven guns were in the hands of these felons two of which were stolen. They cause crime, that crime creates additional victims. Gabriel Cossio, Gabriel Cossio Jr., Melissa Cossio, Jesus Cossio, Aaron Pruitt, and Christopher Ramirez were all arrested on drug charges. WebA man is in jail after the largest marijuana bust in Escambia County history. 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. WebORLANDO, Fla. Orlando police say they seized 2 grams of fentanyl, 24 grams of cocaine, 7 grams of methamphetamine, 2 grams of MDMA plus marijuana, pills and cash during a All rights reserved. VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office arrested 16 people on drugs charges during busts this week. Most of these suspects are gang members and contributed to violent crimes, Perez said. 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. 0:00. Deputies and detectives from the West Volusia Narcotics Task Force and Deltona Narcotics Enforcement Team were part of the operation. Tune in to FOX 35 Orlando for the latest Central 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. 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. Inside the home, they found cocaine, heroin, Oxycodone, MDMA, Tramadol, marijuana, Fentanyl, handguns and drug paraphernalia. 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. Everything you need to know about Florida's theme parks and the all-new Attractions Insider podcast! 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. Illegal drugs ruin lives, destroy families, drive up property crime, and wreck neighborhoods. 2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. Samantha Mathers is a digital reporter and content creator for Action News Jax. 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. Melonie Holt We cannot allow these 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. Nearly 2 dozen arrested in Delaware drug bust. Learn More. 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. LEE COUNTY, Fla. Six people were arrested in a massive drug bust at an auto body shop in Lee County. 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. A 9mm handgun was also seized during the operation, investigators said. Port Charlotte, FL - March 2, 2023 Deputies approaching a vehicle interrupted a passenger attempting to inject Heroin during a traffic stop. 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. Drug-resistant stomach bug spreading across US: Serious public health alert. DeSantis responds to St. Pete Mayor Kriseman's criticisms: 'How did I politicize red tide? Amanda Batchelor, Digital Executive Producer. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 4 people were arrested and 6 animals were rescued at a recent drug bust in Vero Beach. ', A Frank Conversation: New podcast explores race, religion, politics and more, Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter. Some will face prosecution at the circuit level while some are likely to face statewide prosecutors. (Clay County Sheriff's Office), STAY UPDATED:Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on breaking stories. One of 44 suspects arrested in sweeping drug bust in Clay 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. 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. 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 If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. During a press conference Thursday morning, Judd said earlier this year the Polk County Sheriffs Office High JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said a long-term drug investigation took down a major drug distribution ring in Jacksonville The sheriff said during the news conference that they also raided a Gateway home on Avalon Lake Circle. Everything you need to know about the next launch and detailed coverage on space missions. While several arrests were made in Tallahassee, a large part of the operation ran through Gadsden County. 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. Ketchum was observed exiting the vehicle and entering the home. My team and I remain dedicated to eradicating the sale of illegal drugs in our community. 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. Officials said that several suspects who were directly involved with opioid overdose death investigations were arrested. You think about that brothers," Judd said after suggesting he'd help the men come up with a new rap song. These young individuals are wasting their lives and risking the lives of others peddling this poison.. 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. Win Tickets to see Taylor Swift in Tampa Bay! WebNOW PLAYING ABOVE. The fentayl is really bad right now.. PCSO charges 32 suspects during Operation Bell Gang Blues, a 16-month investigation of illegal drug traffickingPhoto: Polk County Sheriffs Office. Despite 32 people being charged, only 29 have been arrested, according to the sheriff's office. 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. 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. Starke Chief of Police Jeff Johnson says that the main drugs that they were concerned with were meth and fentanyl. 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. To keep up with the latest local news subscribe to our TV20 newsletter HERE and receive news straight to your email every morning. $1.6 million worth of fentanyl seized in Montco bust: DA. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Once she returned, the vehicle left. 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. 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. 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. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of various narcotics and ties to a local drug house. Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said this is one of the largest drug busts in LCSO history. 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). They hurt parents and siblings and spouses and most of all our children, Cook said. We will never know the lives saved through this investigation.. On April 29 STARKE, Fla. (WCJB) - The Starke Police Department arrested eight people in connection with a drug distribution ring early Monday morning. Police say they are still looking for Mario Hankerson on a warrant for selling cocaine. The suspects from South Florida were identified by authorities as Luis Spencer, 31, and Olatunji Dawodu, 36, both of who are from Fort Lauderdale. CLAY COUNTY, Fla. The Clay County Sheriffs Office said Thursday 44 people are behind bars following a massive drug bust. In total, nearly 30 pounds of cocaine, half a pound of meth, more than a pound of brown heroin, three ounces of black tar heroin, two ounces of Fentanyl, $330,000 in cash, nine firearms and three stolen vehicles were seized by investigators. 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