In February 2022, detectives received a court order for a wiretap and began monitoring suspects, officials said. The sheriff's office said the suspects' previous criminal histories include a total of 194 felony convictions. Detectives arranged to visit Georgia for the transaction and obtained drugs that Meers left in a vehicle across the street from a landscaping business where she worked, Judd said. WebUse this page to report what appears to you as a possible violation of controlled substances laws and regulations. HSI agents and local Georgia law enforcement officers served search warrants at 8 locations in Georgia, arrested 3, and seized 1,416 pounds of crystalized and liquid methamphetamine. WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Authorities say a two-year undercover investigation resulted in The two share policing of Poinciana, a city based in both counties. He said it was the largest drug sting in Polk County history, with its main operations based in Winter Haven. Judd asked as he donned a large gold chain, one of the pieces of jewelry seized in the investigation. PCSO undercover detectives conducted a controlled delivery at 3237 Xerxes Avenue NW in Winter Haven and arrested37-year-old Amber Cayson of Winter Haven. That means 6.8 ounces of fentanyl could have killed up to 96,000 people.. Sheriff's officials said they arrested his partner, Vicente Carranza-Basanta, the same day. 29A drug bust was executed at a Lebanon residence Thursday. When undercover detectives asked about the color, McClain allegedly told them it was dyed blue "in recognition of the Democratic Party.". You can watch the full press conference below. "Operation Dirty Water" seizes over $50M worth of meth - Bay Apt #202 in Lake Wales, where they found another pound of cocaine, marijuana, $13,000 cash, and a firearm, they said. While investigating the gas station crash, detectives received information that Demarcus and other members of the Jefferson family were involved in smuggling large amounts of methamphetamine through airlines in checked luggage on domestic flights from California. They said Radinas criminal history includes a federal charge for drug trafficking in Maryland, and four other drug trafficking arrests in Maryland and New York. So what does all that mean? May 3, 2021 / 12:45 PM drug Apr. POLK COUNTY, Fla. A multi-state, joint drug trafficking investigation, has netted a seizure of more than $50 million in drugs. Im so very proud of our detectives and the agents and law enforcement officers who partnered with us to get these dangerous drugs and felons off the street," Judd said in a written statement. Asked about the seizures of marijuana and the anti-anxiety pills, Judd said meth has a caustic effect and that users often ingest the other drugs to take the edge off.. We have information that she was immediately delivering and couriering meth for the Juarez cartel just as soon as she got out of prison, the sheriff said. A search of his home turned up about a pound of marijuana and a handgun. WebFind out who's a rat by searching our snitch list containing information about known confidential informants, state's witnesses, and other snitches from our database. The operation went through California, Tennessee, and Orlando. She was incarcerated in state prison in 2006, and her previous criminal history includes 16 felonies and 31 misdemeanors, to include charges of petit theft, forgery, fraud, possession methamphetamine, possession of Xanax possession of marijuana, driving with a suspended license, and multiple probation violations. Drug Trafficking Investigation Yields Both men were living illegally in the United States, Judd said. We will continue to follow up leads and make more arrests, so those who think they got away from us think again.. The liquid methoriginated in Mexico and was smuggled across the border to Palacios, Judd said. POLK COUNTY, Fla. (CW44 News At 10) - Sheriff Grady Judd says their most recent drug bust resulted in the largest methamphetamine seizure in Polk County history. In all, agents ended up seizing nine pounds of meth, three ounces of heroin, 18 guns and 18 prescription pills. You can watch the full video below. Possession of drug paraphernalia (M1). March 22, 2023. LAKELAND (FOX 13) - The Polk county sheriff says for almost 15 years, a cocaine dealer dodged law enforcement while living the high life. You think LAX just got a drug smuggling problem at the airport? A two-year investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies resulted in 85 arrests and the seizure of more than $12.8 million worth of drugs, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. Palacios has also been arrested in Florida three times for driving without a license. 2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. Download it here. Investigators learned that the suspects smuggled large amounts of drugs from Mexico into California, then transported the drugs on domestic flights from Los Angeles through Memphis, Tennessee and then to Orlando International Airport. Meers is said to have just been released from prison after serving a 10-year sentence for drug trafficking and is currently on federal probation. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Polk County drug bust arrest - FOX 5 Atlanta 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Information uncovered during her arrest also led investigators to the location of methamphetamine conversion labs, additional arrests, the discovery of more than a dozen firearms, and the seizure of 1,416 pounds of crystalized and liquid meth. Methamphetamine destroys lives, degrades communities, and ruins families. ", Domestic violence suspect:Man killed by Lake Wales police after fatally shooting K-9, 'He's dead now':Winter Haven man told 911 dispatcher he shot his father, PCSO says, Officer shot:Haines City Police officer recovering after beingshot during a traffic stop Sunday. Large Drug Bust Made During Traffic Stop in Polk County. When they retrieved the narcotics from Meers' truck, they found luggage with 16 vacuum sealed bags containing approximately 35 pounds of methamphetamine. Instead of it being delivered by mail, undercover deputies instead paid her a visit for controlled delivery of the drug. Possession of a structure for drug trafficking (F2) They make money off the misery of others. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. According to the Meth crime ring bust leads to 26 arrests in north Georgia HSI agents and Georgia officers searched those and other locations, arresting three men and seizing 1,416 pounds of crystal and liquid meth, the release said. Meers arrest led investigators to three labs in Georgia used to convert liquid meth into crystalized form, the PCSO said. Police say they seized: 268 pounds of Methamphetamine ($9,725,040 street value) 31 pounds of Cocaine ($1,405,337 street value) 180 pounds of Cannabis ($1,628,357 WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Detectives in Polk County arrested more than two dozen people in a drug trafficking sting following a 16-month undercover investigation. ( NewsNation) Florida authorities say 85 people were arrested in connection to an international drug trafficking ring in Polk County. Grady Judd, Sheriff, Investigation Summary: He was arrested and charged with conspiracy to traffic in fentanyl, conspiracy to traffic in heroin, conspiracy to sell marijuana, armed robbery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a fictitious drivers license, felony battery, use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony, and three counts of probation violation. They were willing to send it here, he said. You can call it the Bell Gang Blues rap song.". His current sentence runs through 2040. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Apr 29, 2021 WINTER HAVEN -- Law enforcement agencies say a random shipment of pills led them to the biggest meth haul in Polk County history, and broke up a drug ring being directed from a federal penitentiary. These drug dealers have blood on their hands. A multi-agency investigation uncovered an international smuggling operation out of Winter Haven that brought drugs into Central Florida, according to the Polk County Sheriffs Office. in Winter Haven. The others arrested so far are Crescencio Ornelas-Loza, 30, of Fairburn, Georgia; and Luis Ornelas-Martinez, 50, of Stockbridge, Georgia. Follow on Twitter @garywhite13. suspects charged in Polk County drug bust, sheriff POLK COUNTY, Texas (KETK) The Polk County Sheriffs Department arrested five people Wednesday on drug possession and distribution charges, rescuing three children as well. Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. Over 70 suspects charged in Polk Co. drug bust | WFLA But it does not stop there. We arrested the people. Home; Mugshots; Crime News; Contact; Download our app. (Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. The mastermind of the drug-trafficking network ran it from inside the United States Penitentiary Atlanta, where he is an inmate, he said. The operation also involved the Federal Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the Sumter County Sheriffs Office and seven law-enforcement departments in Georgia, the PCSO said. 59-year-old Isidoro Palacios was arrested at a methamphetamine lab located at5359 Stonewall Tell Road in College Park, Georgia. A two-year investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies resulted in 85 arrests and the seizure of more than $12.8 million worth of drugs, Best gifts for the graduate with travel plans, Mothers Day inspo: This foot massager has 20,000, Much quieter weather pattern starts Monday, Virginia doctor accused of illegal oxycodone scheme, St. Anthonys Triathlon prevails despite storms, Tornado flips cars, damages homes in Florida city, BestReviews.com - Top gifts to make everyone happy this spring, Drew Barrymores Walmart collection is perfect for, Best Mothers Day gifts for the budding plant mom, Best Mothers Day Gifts for moms obsessed with books, 3 minors shot outside Florida amusement park, Tampa girl randomly shot in car on I-4: FHP, Missing mans remains found in trash bags at Pasco, Crystal River named among top summer vacation destinations, Storm erosion reveals second shipwreck along Florida, Gasparilla Music Festival to kick off this weekend, New coaster coming to SeaWorld Orlando next month, Check out this hidden gem in Safety Harbor: Whimzeyland, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. About - Abuse - Contact Us - Disclaimers - Donate - Privacy Policy - Terms of Use -, 2020-2021 - Cop Blaster: Police Misconduct Reporting & Monitoring -, The Future of Law Enforcement Accountability, Jonathan Mcmillen-Memphis Informant-Snitch- Lil Wyte Affiliate, Sue Your Snitch! 2023 FOX Television Stations, until MON 8:00 PM EDT, Pinellas County, Coastal Hillsborough County, Coastal Manatee County, Coastal Sarasota County, 268 pounds of Methamphetamine ($9,725,040 street value), 31 pounds of Cocaine ($1,405,337 street value), 180 pounds of Cannabis ($1,628,357 street value), 3.4 pounds of MDMA/Ecstasy ($84,601 street value), 6.8 ounces of Fentanyl ($26,880 street value), crashed his car into a Winter Haven gas station, killing a customer inside, USF football player arrested for domestic battery, 2-year-old daughter of Bucs linebacker Shaquil Barrett drowns in swimming pool, Heart attack survivor competes in St. Anthony's triathlon after hospital saved her life, Auburndale man arrested in connection with shooting that left three hospitalized, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation receives one of its largest financial gifts. All rights reserved. May 3, 2021 / 12:45 PM / CW44 Tampa Bay. This is not a horrible fairy tale. The woman had connections to the Juarez drug cartel in Mexico, Judd said. The 32 suspects face a total of 301 felonies and 134 misdemeanors. HSI investigators have associated this illegal drug trafficking organization with the Juarez Mexican Cartel, a brutally violent cartel known for its targeted executions and violence. Press Release. After Meers returned to Georgia, undercover agents sought another purchase. Judd said that among the suspects arrested were 690 felony previous charges, and 194 previous convictions. 2023 FOX Television Stations, until MON 8:00 PM EDT, Pinellas County, Coastal Hillsborough County, Coastal Manatee County, Coastal Sarasota County, Approximately 22.4 pounds of marijuana seized (street value: approximately $100,000), Approximately 4.3 pounds of methamphetamine seized (street value: approximately $97,950), Approximately 1.7 pounds of cocaine seized (street value: approximately $81,000), Approximately 36.3 grams of Ecstasy (street value: approximately $3,630), Approximately 32 bags of THC candy (street value: approximately $640), Approximately 2.5 grams of heroin (street value: approximately $500), Approximately 5 grams of oxycodone seized (street value: approximately $100), New Port Richey dad dies while saving 6-year-old child from drowning, National Hurricane Center announces changes ahead of upcoming 2023 season, Elderly man with Alzheimer's found during search for robbery suspect in Tampa, Missing Arkansas teen found in Tampa more than two months after she was last seen, investigators say, Largo lawyer murder: Blood, firearms, $280,000 cash found in search of surgeon's vehicles, home, police say, USF football player arrested for domestic battery, 2-year-old daughter of Bucs linebacker Shaquil Barrett drowns in swimming pool, Heart attack survivor competes in St. Anthony's triathlon after hospital saved her life, Auburndale man arrested in connection with shooting that left three hospitalized, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation receives one of its largest financial gifts. Polk County WINTER HAVENPolk County Sheriff Grady Judd stood beside a table piled with bags of crystal methamphetamine and a pyramid of plastic buckets. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. During their search of one of the illegal conversion labs located inCollege Park, Georgia, HSI agents and local law enforcement officers discovered and dismantled an illegal rooster fighting ring belonging to59-year-old Isidoro Palacios. Its complicated: Insurance commr on premium hikes, Lightnings season ends after OT loss to Maple Leafs, A look at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2023 NFL draft, Lightning fans kept hope alive during series against, Selmons legacy lives on through USF mentorship program, Steinbrenner HS senior trades sports for volunteering, How your electronics will be recycled after Shred-A-Thon, Millions exposed to life-shortening pollution: report, Arthur Jones, first Black USF student-athlete, honored. Using what it called the "largest wiretap in Polk County history," the Polk County Sheriff's Office said it broke up an international drug smuggling ring operated out of Winter Haven, which moved large amounts of drugs from Mexico, through Los Angeles and into the Winter Haven using checked luggage in commercial airlines. It also uncovered an illegal cockfighting ring run by Isidoro Palacios, 59, who was arrested, according to the sheriff's office. The investigation was focused on a drug trafficking ring that smuggled cocaine and meth from Mexico, according to a Polk County Sheriff's Office news release. He said the traffickers hoped to establish a presence in Polk County. They learned her supplier was Nareo Lewis after she asked an undercover detective to drive her to his home on Colorado Avenue so she could pick up 7 grams of fentanyl. The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests and charges are pending. During the investigation, Stanton, from within the federal prison in Atlanta, coordinated and arranged with undercover detectives the purchase and delivery of approximately 26 pounds of methamphetamine from Georgia to Polk County, Florida. The investigation, called "Operation Dirty Water," involved more than a dozen law enforcement agencies in Florida and Georgia, including the Polk County Sheriff's Office. We bought and made predicate cases for the wiretap throughout the two ensuing years, but we couldnt get to the top and link the organization together. Schuylkill County Man Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearm Offenses. Get notified on your phone in the morning with the latest forecast and news to start your day. Judd said 85 people were arrested as a result of the investigation and authorities seized 268 pounds of methamphetamine and 6.8 ounces of fentanyl. "It means that 6.8 ounces of fentanyl could have killed up to 96,000 people. Judd praised Sibley for leading the operation. Meers, 43, had only left federal prison in January and was on probation for a previous drug-trafficking conviction, Judd said. Possession of marijuana resin (edibles) (F3) POLK COUNTY, Fla. A multi-state, joint drug trafficking investigation, has netted a seizure of more than $50 million in drugs. According to the sheriff, they were taking drugs out of the trunk so deputies wouldn't find them during their crash investigation. POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) A 9-month long wiretap investigation helped lead to the arrest of over 70 suspects on drug charges in Polk County. Mason was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Overall, the investigation seized 268 pounds of meth as well as 6.8 ounces of fentanyl and 48 firearms. There needs to be a deep dive into the baggage handling and to see where the hookup was to allow suitcase after suitcase after suitcase to get through the scanning with no clothes inside no evidence of clothes inside just drugs, he said. POLK COUNTY -- A search warrant was executed at an Osceola, WI residence on February 13, 2020 by the Polk County Sheriffs Office, St. Croix Valley Drug Task Force, and Osceola Police Department, according to a probable cause report from the Polk County Sheriffs Office. In early 2021, the Polk County Sheriff's Office High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (HIDTA) and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) initiated a joint investigation of a drug trafficking organization with ties to the Juarez Mexican Drug Cartel. You think weve got a big operation going on here? What are the chances of a fourth stimulus check after Biden's address to Congress? I believe that they do and they need to address it, he said. It means that 6.8 ounces of fentanyl could have killed up to 96,000 people, Judd said. First published on May 3, 2021 / 12:45 PM. Detectives arrested Castro Solache and Mondragon on Oct. 12 and booked them in Polk County, the release said. Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (F3) Meers' arrest led investigators to the location of 3 methamphetamine conversion labs in Georgia. On March 19, 2021, Stanton, still from within the federal prison, arranged for another 35 pounds of methamphetamine to be delivered by Meers to PCSO undercover detectives. Polk sheriff says multi-agency effort busts Winter Haven Judd said the the operation involved multiple agencies across the state and nation, including the Winter Haven Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, the Orlando Police Department, the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office, the Fresno, California, Police Department, the Shelby County, Tennessee, Sheriff's Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the U.S. Border Patrol andthe U.S. Department of Homeland Security, among others. They wanted to establish a conduit into the county and our undercover detectives were their new operation in Central Florida. 5 vehicles seized (1 was reported as a stolen vehicle) The sheriff's office, working in conjunction with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies from across the country, began a wiretap investigation in February 2022 to monitor the trafficking ring's activity. 20 firearms seized (3 were reported as stolen) You think LAX has got a drug smuggling problem at the airport?". Sheriff Grady Judd said surveillance video from the gas station showed people in masks running up to the totaled vehicle and grabbing items from the car's trunk before deputies arrived at the scene. ", He added, "There needs to be a deep dive into the baggage handlers, and to see where the hookup was, to allow suitcase after suitcase after suitcase to get through the scanning with no clothes inside, no evidence of clothes inside just drugs. The fatal shooting of a 17-year-old in Haines City last week is believed to be connected to another shooting that occurred minutes earlier that same day, according to the Polk County Sheriffs Office. The Polk Sheriffs Office heads the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, which includes local police agencies. In addition to the arrests, three warrants were issued, the sheriffs office said. Polk County Sheriff's Office: Winter Haven man fatally shot by officer Saturday night, 3 Polk County deputies charged with felonies related to evidence tampering, Body cameras revisited after suspect fatally shot by Winter Haven police, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Altogether, the suspects have 645 previous charges against them, including 314 prior felonies. Illegal drugs destroy lives and families, and generate theft and violence in our community, and drug traffickers are profiting from the destruction. )], Judd said the investigation began in September 2020 when the sheriffs office received information a family in Winter Haven, identified as the Jefferson family, was smuggling large amounts of drugs into Florida from Mexico through California and then to the streets of Central Florida.. "Two milligrams of fentanyl can be a deadly overdose," Judd said. Judd identified six people as the ring leaders: Demarcus Terrell Jefferson, 32, of Winter Haven, Dwayne Kenneth Stackhouse Sr., 39, of Lake Wales; Abadosh McKenzie, 41, of Riverview; Lenard Henderson, 42, of Polk County, Javarius Samuel, 31, of Fresno, California; Darmonte Munson, 30, of Winter Haven. Florida bust: 85 arrested, $12.8M in drugs seized. Now shes an arrested girl," Judd said. He was arrested Tuesday, and charged with 25 counts conspiracy to sell cocaine, conspiracy to sell marijuana, conspiracy to purchase marijuana, and use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony. One of the cartels is not very happy today because their folks got caught with a whole lotta drugs," Sheriff Grady Judd said. Example video title will go here for this video. A Transportation Security Administration spokesperson said the agencys screening procedures are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers. "They didn't so much as throw a pair of underwear in the suitcase to act like they were hiding the drugs. The sheriff detailed one occasion where the suspects smuggled six suitcases full of drugs on a flight from LAX to Orlando. Six people have been arrested, including five people in the country illegally. "They didnt as so much as throw a pair of underwear in the suitcase to act like they were hiding the drugs," Judd said in a Friday morning press conference. You see, he was the good guy in the community, made the money, shared it with the kids. On one occasion on one airline, six suitcases with this drug was smuggled into Orlando. Donald Trump Sues Michael Cohen for Running His Mouth, Will hack your phone and email and report to police, Jamie Massachusetts state organized Meth Cook, Hyde Park Homie Makes his living ratting then stealing your shit, Central Falls: Rhode Islands Best Not So Secret Agent Providence, Aryan bro snitches on another AB but blames on female, Stormy Daniels Talks to Prosecutors about Donald Trump, Luran Wilson AKA SNITCH, THIEF, PROSTITUTE, A perverted panty wearing bitch ass snitch, Cop Blaster: Police Misconduct Reporting & Monitoring. bust He was released from jail after posting $24,500 bond. Submit a Tip | DEA.gov Members of HSI in Atlanta and Tampa, U.S. Border Patrol and the Snellville Police Department in Georgia stood behind Judd at Thursdays news conference. Investigators also seized 20 guns, three of which were reported as stolen, the release said. Mexico-to-Central Florida drug ring broken up, sheriff says If you want a pest-free patio this spring, the most important thing you can do is take away those elements that bugs find desirable. You can also watch a report by Spectrum Bay News 9's Ashonti Ford in the video above. ). Its the truth," Judd said. 85 arrested in international drug ring operating out of Detectives served 14 search warrants in Auburndale, Davenport, Polk City, Lake Wales, Winter Haven, and Riverview, as well as in Fresno, California, resulting in the seizure of the following: The total street value of the confiscated drugs is more than $12.8 million, the sheriff's office said. Detectives involved in the investigation also uncovered during "Operation Dirty Water" that the drugs they seized and 6 people they charged had ties to the Jurez Cartel. A civilian budget analyst for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was arrested after committing retail theft at a Walmart on Wednesday, according to Polk County deputies. 1 federal inmate charged Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. His criminal history includes 2 arrests in Georgia with charges of trafficking in cocaine, illegal drug possession, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and driving without a valid license. He was charged with multiple drug-trafficking charges and was released Thursday on $119,500 bond. ( NewsNation) - Florida authorities say 85 people were arrested in connection to an international drug trafficking Federal and local investigators took him down along with 18 alleged sub-dealers and buyers in the Lakeland area. Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter. Polk Busted - Polk County Jail Arrest Mugshots Judd said suspects were active throughout Central Florida from Orlando to Tampa and in cities in Lake and Osceola counties among others, and arrests were made in several Florida counties as well as in California with the help of multiple law enforcement agencies.
Topamax Food Tastes Weird, Boiled Grapefruit Skin Benefits, Shooting In Bennettsville South Carolina Today, Mars Trine Jupiter Natal, Articles P