SELKE - A monthslong, multi-agency investigation named "Operation: Heavyweights" has resulted in 54 arrests and the seizure of hundreds of pounds of illegal narcotics, Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper. Drug units said South purchased medical marijuana in the US; he then would purchase Mexican marijuana from Marco Suarez. "Did you sell any marijuana?" Investigators said Britton was double dipping between both organizations and then the dominoes slowly began to fall, resulting in 19 felony arrests and seven people arrested under the RICO statute. Everything you need to know about Florida's theme parks and the all-new Attractions Insider podcast! Operation Sundown took nearly $300,000 worth of drugs off the streets, and most of the drugs seized are believed to be from the states. So far this year, the sheriffs office said that there have been 105 drug overdose deaths so far this year in Seminole County. Will Christensen of the Seminole County Sheriffs Office. In the last year, 54 people died as a result of overdoses in Seminole County, which is 20 more than the previous year. Nine suspects face charges including trafficking in cocaine and heroin and racketeering. A 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. The investigation revealed that David Cole had several sources of supply for the marijuana including Andrew Murdock of Winter Springs, Christopher Lafata and Jacob Parks both of Orlando, Christopher South, Samuel Peterson, Thomas Carpenter, Michael Grybek of Seminole County and Chase Alley of Orlando, who all worked and distributed marijuana collectively (see mug shots). College students smoke marijuana more frequently than any other age group in the country. Please check your connection and try again using the Retry button. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. winter spring, fl 32708 21 non-hispanic case: 482022mo001099o orange county sheriff office 843.15(1)(b) misdemeanor / first degree failure of defendant to appear daniel, jimkey rapha 23005157 b / m brc-mbf-na kissimmee, fl 34746 24 non-hispanic case: fhp23on0103678 florida highway patrol Watch FOX 35 Orlando for the latest Central Florida news. Subscribe to WDBO newsletter(Opens a new window), Seminole County deputies bust million-dollar heroin, fentanyl drug rings. The arrest comes after Orange County deputies announced a large-scale drug ring bust of their own Thursday, though Lemma said the two rings did not work together. If you are out there and engaged in this type of criminal activity, we are going to find you," said Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma "We are going to arrest you and be swift with the penalty phases of that.. Raw Video | See Images. Officials say the drug dealers were exploiting California's medical marijuana law. They also spotted a large amount of cash inside the home. "My experience was amazing, they are very professional and helpful all the way through the end. Receive a detailed news briefing each morning and evening along with our Attractions Insider briefing on Fridays on our app, California Consumer Limit the Use of My Sensitive Personal Information, California Consumer Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Sheriff Lemma encourages those who need substance abuse treatment to reach out to the SCORE Team at the Seminole County Sheriffs Office by calling 407-665-6650. In all, detectives had arrest warrants for 41 different suspects, many of whom were arrested in upscale homes in family neighborhoods. . "Then why are you in custody?" Updated: Sep 22, 2022 / 05:30 AM EDT TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Two men suspected of buying and selling "large quantities" of fentanyl were arrested after authorities in Clay County uncovered enough of. A Florida county sheriff said he hopes to find the "rightful owners" of a whopping 770 pounds of marijuana worth about $2 million dollars taunting drug dealers in a cheeky . Its a sad day in our society when you cant even trust the locations that claim they are helping to get you clean.". WFTV reporter Mary Nguyen asked. See Mug Shots Lemma said the two groups were responsible for bringing in thousands of doses of heroin. . 2023 Cox Media Group. Investigators believe the drugs came from Puerto Rico, as well as South Florida and the West Coast, deputies said. Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma described the hierarchy of a sophisticated heroin, fentanyl and cocaine operation that was running on the streets of Sanford, Lake Mary, Longwood and Geneva. Truett said he hopes TPD continues to put the pressure on motel owners to keep their properties from turning into havens of criminal activity. He ran an aquatic landscaping business on the side and she thought that was where all the extra money was coming from. 2023 (7) COPYRIGHT SEMINOLE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE 2019. SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. - The operator of a Florida drug rehabilitation center has been arrested. Heine has been charged with operating a drug house, trafficking illegal drugs, five counts of a felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition and operating a motor vehicle without a license. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. SEMINOLE HEIGHTS, Fla. - The Tampa Police Department is cracking down on nuisance hotels and motels. (Seminole County Sheriff's Office) Members of a suspected drug ring arrested this week brought 25 to 30 kilograms of cocaine into Central Florida every month, Seminole County Sheriff. Everything you love about wdbo.com and more! "You have parents, you have kids that are walking by this location during the school year. "I dont know how they found them, and Im glad they have them off the street, to tell you the truth.. Eleven other suspects are accused of purchasing drugs from the five primary suppliers. As for the timing of the crackdown, campus police said it couldn't be better with spring break about to begin. Nearly $1 million worth of narcotics were seized by law enforcement - including five kilograms of fentanyl, two kilograms of cocaine, two kilograms of methamphetamine, one kilogram of heroin and. Buster Thompson. Mission: To enhance the quality of life by reducing crime and the fear of crime throughout. Police were able to identify two marijuana dealers during the course of their investigation who were not actually a part of the drug ring. The sheriff said officials are working with the state attorney's office to make sure there is swift consequences for dealers. We shouldn't be doing that," said Seminole Heights neighbor William Truett. Accessibility Statement. Three people have been arrested in Citrus County in what Citrus County Sheriff's Office said is the largest crystal meth bust in agency history. The ring was selling high-grade level marijuana valued a $4,300 to $4,500 a pound. MAJOR POT BUST: Seminole County says it is currently serving an additional seven search warrants. Thorpe and Lacke wonder if the ring located there because of the potential market. SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. The Seminole County Sheriff's Office said Thursday that two highly organized drug distribution rings are off the streets. Following leads from residents in Seminole County, the Seminole County Sheriffs Office SWAT team, Volusia County Sheriffs SWAT team, and the Sanford Police Departments Neighborhood Response Unit seized more than 22,000 small bags of heroin laced with fentanyl, as well as smaller amounts of cocaine and marijuana. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. WFTV Detectives said the organization was obtaining large quantities of drugs from overseas and distributing them throughout Brevard County, which is about 50 miles east of Orlando. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. A deadly shooting in front of the motel earlier this year only increased neighborhood calls for intervention. According to a police report reviewed by the Miami Herald, at around 1 . Four people, including a juvenile, were found dead in a Brevard County home, according to sheriffs office. Heine, who had previously been convicted of felony possession of marijuana in Arizona, was not permitted to have a gun. Lemma said tips from the public came in regarding Nicholas Britton. Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma, center, with drugs and guns seized during a drug ring bust. 22 It is the policy of the Randolph County Sheriff's Office to maintain a zero-tolerance for inmate-on-inmate sexual assault, staff sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, and . Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma spoke on Tuesday about a significant drug bust. Those who face drug charges need to take the matter very seriously. They have to see it," said Truett. Board of County Commission District 2; Board of County Commission District 4; County Court Judge; . 2023 FOX Television Stations. Citrus County Sheriff's Office In bedroom of 51-year-old Kristen Leigh Schaefer, authorities found 0.24 grams of fentanyl, 0.67 grams of meth, 1 and 1/2 clonazepam pills, and a 1/4 of an alprazolam pill. SEMINOLE HEIGHTS, Fla. - The Tampa Police Department is cracking down on nuisance hotels and motels. "They were using a broker in California working as a conduit between buyers here in Central Florida and growers of the marijuana in California," Captain Sammy Gibson of the Seminole County Sheriff's Office said. Crime Map. "I wasn't surprised about the things that they found, but I was very happy that the police department was listening to us. Nine people are still wanted. The county Department of Corrections also was revamped to provide all three forms of medication-assisted. "They're trying to make sure that it's safe in this area.". So far, officials have arrested 32 people and recovered 600 pounds of pot. The Bay County Sheriff's Office announced more than 55 grams of fentanyl were taken off the streets after two separate drug busts in the. On Thursday, workers could be seen removing locks from doors and entering ramsacked-looking rooms to clear out furniture and heaps of debris. After receiving several complaints of ongoing criminal activity occurring at hotels and motels in Seminole Heights, TPD began surveilling several businesses along Nebraska Avenue. Florida State Senate District 10. According to investigators, the heroin was not only being sold out of houses, incolding one house on Selma Road in Longwood where 62 grams of fentanyl were found, but dealers would meet up with addicts in parking lots all over the county to sell the dangerous drugs. The alleged head of the marijuana trafficking ring, David Cole, was taken into custody for selling high-level grade marijuana from California. Enable our Skill today to listen live at home on your Alexa Devices! A massive drug bust has placed a dozen people behind bars after a drug home in New Smyrna Beach has been on deputies radar for months, they say. [TRENDING: DeSantis to unemployed: Look for a job | Cops: Fla. woman hurls Whopper, racial slurs | Video: SpaceX Starship finally sticks landing]. He also produces the podcast Florida Foodie. "Actually, it was more than 22,000single dose packets of fentanyl and fentanyl laced heroin, Lemma said. Interactive map: Every homicide in Central Florida. Images: Evidence seized during Seminole County synthetic drug bust Cabrera, 32, is charged with two counts of selling imitation controlled substances and one county of the sale of drug. It's a money-making opportunity. Crime Map for Seminole County, FL. If you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000. They said that Gilley sold the narcotics to undercover agents at her place of business, as well as her home on 2nd Street in Altamonte Springs. Seminole County Sheriff's Office. Everything you need to know about the next launch and detailed coverage on space missions. Two of the arrests were said to be top leaders in the gang. VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office arrested 16 people on drugs charges during busts this week. Agents are still trying to figure out how Suarez was able to smuggle the marijuana into the United States. FILE - Kodak Black arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards at The Forum on Aug. 27, 2017, in Inglewood, Calif. A Florida judge issued an arrest warrant for the rapper, whose given name is Bill Kapri, on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, for failing a drug test while on bail for a drug charge, court records show. VanSyckle faces charges of armed trafficking of opioids, armed trafficking of oxycodon, possession of opioids with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of a church, possession of Alprazolam without a prescription, possession of cocaine and possession of drug equipment. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. All Rights Reserved. Authorities said they were able to bust the drug ring after they learned Cole was distributing $90,000 worth of pot a week. Enough fentanyl seized to kill half of Florida; 'massive' bust linked to a Mexican drug cartel: AG By Gail Paschall-Brown, WESH , CNNWire Friday, October 14, 2022 Right now, I'm so scatter-brained. Cold Cases Missing Persons Daily Archive. "We rely on the community to be our eyes and ears. as he was taken into custody for allegedly selling the drug. VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. - A drug bust in. On Monday, investigators said they executed a search warrant on the home. The sting appears to have prompted Alamo Hotel owners to take measures to clean up the property. More than $430K, about 14 pounds of drugs seized in major Bay County bust. Kingpin's Girlfriend Talks This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Seminole County, Fla. The Seminole County Sheriff's Office said Thursday that two highly organized drug distribution rings are off the streets. In addition to the marijuana, deputies also came across items used to package and sell drugs such as labeled jars, stickers, and containers. All rights reserved. But when delivery drivers transporting the drugs were caught by patrols in places like Oklahoma, they rented airplanes to smuggle the drugs to Central Florida. 2023 Cox Media Group. During the search, police arrested 36-year-old Carl Justin Lewis VanSyckle. The drugs were shipped in from California and Mexico to houses in four Central Florida counties and then the dealers would sell the drugs to students. Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Florida History Network offers news, information, directories, marketplace services and a social hub for Florida history enthusiasts . On Tuesday, the Lee County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) announced operation 'curbside crackdown' lead to 50 arrests in a massive narcotics and gun bust at a North Fort Myers drug house. Directory of interesting events that happened in Florida on this date in the month of May. Deputies said they arrested the suspects at. The main players in this were organized, theyre not new to the criminal justice system, Lemma said. "It's a big money-making opportunity. Deputies on Wednesday raided eight allegedly illegal gaming properties in Florida's Seminole County, with 18 suspects charged. "Somebody else will probably just come up and fill his shoes, if he gets taken out," Thorpe said. UCF police confirmed that seven people arrested were students: David Cole, Christopher Tully, Rafael Leon, Jorge J. Henkle, Ronald Murray, Garrett Gibbons and Elijah Moore Jr. WFTV was at the UCF campus Thursday and nobody seemed surprised that several students moonlighted as drug dealers. Search by. Read:Two more blood pressure medications recalled over cancer concerns, Read:Ticking noise from electric toothbrush prompts evacuation at Daytona Beach airport, Sheriff: 4 found dead, including child, at Brevard County home, Governor requests information from state attorneys office on accused Pine Hills shooters record, Human skull, 30 other bones found at New Smyrna Beach historical site, All aboard: Ride SunRail for free this Saturday, Breeze Airways adds 4 new routes from Orlando International Airport. Florida sues realty company and reality-star founder for swindling homeowners across U.S. "I never thought we would have to be worried about someone running a drug treatment facility dealing and administering drugs on the inside of the location.