Over two dozen were arrested following an undercover drug sting by the Polk County Sheriffs Office. ", Polk County Sheriff's Office displays drugs, firearms seized during county's largest wiretap operation, RELATED: Woman cut off boyfriend's penis after he tried to rape 14-year-old daughter, reports say. He said several of those arrested were rappers and "marketed themselves because they look cool in the community. Methamphetamine destroys lives, degrades communities, and ruins families. ( DrydenWire) -- A recent traffic stop by Wisconsin State Patrol Troopers on a vehicle in the Town of Sarona, Washburn County led to the seizure of heroin, marijuana, California Consumer Limit the Use of My Sensitive Personal Information, California Consumer Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Detectives arrested Castro Solache and Mondragon on Oct. 12 and booked them in Polk County, the release said. Twelve people were arrested in a Rome-Floyd Metro Task Force drug bust on Maple Avenue late Tuesday, including five who additionally face charges related to membership in a street gang. Judd added that not all of the drugs were destined for our area, but that members of the Juarez and Sinaloa drug cartels had expressed interest in setting up a central Florida hub for distribution. Orlando International Airport raises parking prices | Win tickets to watch Artemis 1 rocket launch | Video shows large gator eating another alligator in Silver Springs | Become a News 6 Insider (its free! The drugs were secured and Meers was later arrested during a traffic stop where authorities say she admitted to being paid $500 a kilo by Stanton for deliveries. It resulted in the largest volume of methamphetamine seized during a joint investigation. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd shows one of the suitcases filled with drugs that was checked as luggage on a flight from LAX to Orlando. Download it here. Investigators seized 1,416 pounds of crystallized and liquid meth with a street value of over $50 million. 2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. Authorities identified 55-year-old Lisa Radina as a dealer. "But what did he have with him when he drove into the front of this store while impaired? This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Judd emphasized the connections of the trafficking ring to the Juarez drug cartel, one of Mexicos most established crime organizations. 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. Darmonte Munson, 30: Sheriff's officials said a piece of luggage that was intercepted was slated for Munsons residence at514 Lake Dexter Blvd. Mitchell Ware, 68, of Coral Springs was arrested in Broward County for a Polk County warrant for: Conspiracy to purchase marijuana (1 count) Unlawful use of two communication device (1 count). 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. Whether its a short vacation or theyre jetting off to begin their career, show the future traveler you care with a meaningful graduation gift. The Polk County Sheriff's Office said their narcotics detectives and High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force made 29 arrests in the Lake Wales area and issued arrest warrants for three suspects related to the trafficking, sale and possession of illegal drugs. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Two people suspected of dealing large amounts of fentanyl and other drugs in the Polk County area have been arrested, authorities said Wednesday. In an interview, Meers told detectives that Stanton, the inmate, coordinated meth deliveries and paid her $500 for every kilogram, or 2.2 pounds, she delivered, the release said. Approximately 1500 pounds of methamphetamine seized (street value: approximately $53.8 million) Over the weekend, Polk County Police Officer Howard of the Uniformed Patrol Division was ( NewsNation) - Florida authorities say 85 people were arrested in connection to an international drug trafficking Its the truth," Judd 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 Unlawful use of a two-way communication device (F3) ", "Can y'all make a rap about this?" Im proud of the good work our detectives did to take these drugs off the street and send these traffickers to jail, said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. His current sentence runs through 2040. Six people involved in the drug trafficking operation are now behind bars and three of them are facing charges in Polk County and authorities say this case may become even larger than its current scope. Judd said the investigation is ongoing and there were suspects the Sheriff's Office was still looking for. The Sheriff's Office said he is charged with DUI manslaughter in that incident and his criminal case is pending. So what does all that mean? Javarius Samuel, 31: Sheriff's officials said that on Aug. 5, detectives in Fresno served a search warrant on Samuel's residenceand seized 68 pounds of marijuana, 109 grams of fentanyl, 14 grams of cocaine, threefirearms, and $45,000 cash. Undercover detectives then met with Jennifer Meers, 43, who they say delivered a suitcase full of 12 clear storage bags containing the illegal drug at a hotel room in Lakeland. 2023 www.theledger.com. Three days after Sibley contacted Judd's office, undercover operations were set up in Polk County. It means that 6.8 ounces of fentanyl could have killed up to 96,000 people, Judd said. Florida bust: 85 arrested, $12.8M in drugs seized. LAKELAND (FOX 13) - The Polk county sheriff says for almost 15 years, a cocaine dealer dodged law enforcement while living the high life. Now that doesnt sound like a lot, just 6.8 ounces. But now his golf course community days are over. He had drugs," Judd said. Violations may include the growing, manufacture, distribution or May 3, 2021 / 12:45 PM / CW44 Tampa Bay. International drug trafficking ring busted in Polk County Ken Suarez reports. 2023 www.theledger.com. While searching one of the lab locations, federal and local officers discovered and dismantled an illegal cock-fighting ring headed by Isidoro Palacios, 59, of College Park, Georgia, the PCSO said. Two 18-year-olds were also arrested at the home for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, deputies said. Possession of a structure for drug trafficking (F2) The investigation, labeled Operation Dirty Water,has yielded six arrests so far, including a Winter Haven woman and others linked to a Mexican drug cartel, Judd said. "But here's the neat thing about Darmonte: He would go through the community, he provide fireworks on the holidays, he would have Christmas gift giveaways, he would provide Easter egg hunts. 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. Officials said they served a search warrant at his Davenport address, 928 Brooklet Drive,and seized two loaded AK-47 pistols, which were out in plain view and in a home with six children. However, the family continued to sell drugs at the home after Devontae's death, the sheriff's office said. Richard Tribou is the Senior Content Editor for Audience, and Space and Cruise reporter for the Orlando Sentinel. Cayson is currently in the Polk County Jail with no bond. Meers, 43, had only left federal prison in January and was on probation for a previous drug-trafficking conviction, Judd said. You think LAX has got a drug smuggling problem at the airport?". If you look at our org chart there, youll notice that theres kind of three distinct groups of people, he said. Home; Mugshots; Crime News; Contact; You can also watch a report by Spectrum Bay News 9's Ashonti Ford in the video above. 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. Mason was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. "You think LAX has got a drug smuggling problem at the airport? 3.4 pounds of MDMA, also known as Ecstasy. All rights reserved. The drugs were then transported by ground from the airport into Polk County. Federal agents seized a parcel containing about 2,500 generic Xanax pills, PCSO said. A recent traffic stop by Wisconsin State Patrol Troopers on a vehicle in the Town of Sarona, Washburn County led to the seizure of heroin, marijuana, mushrooms, ecstasy pills, prescription pills, a digital scale, and numerous items of drug paraphernalia along with nearly $1,500 in cash. Palacios has also been arrested in Florida three times for driving without a license. More:Polk County Sheriff's Office: Winter Haven man fatally shot by officer Saturday night, More:3 Polk County deputies charged with felonies related to evidence tampering, More:Body cameras revisited after suspect fatally shot by Winter Haven police. The 32 suspects face a total of 301 felonies and 134 misdemeanors. When undercover detectives asked about the color, McClain allegedly told them it was dyed blue "in recognition of the Democratic Party.". OK, great. The sheriff detailed one occasion where the suspects smuggled six suitcases full of drugs on a flight from LAX to Orlando. 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. The Polk County Sheriff's Office said the investigation started in September 2020, when 32-year-old Demarcus Jefferson crashed his car into a Winter Haven gas station, killing a customer inside. 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. The spokesperson added that TSA security officers do not search for illegal drugs, but if found during the screening process, the TSA will refer the matter to law enforcement partners. "You can go ahead and turn yourself in or you can go to jail tired from running, but you're gonna go to jail," Sheriff Grady Judd said of the three suspects who are still at large, identified as 49-year-old Angela Dunklebarger of Lake Wales, 37-year-old Tavoris Jones of Lake Wales, and 37-year-old Reginald Phillips of Dundee. He was released from jail after posting $24,500 bond. Radinawas arrested and charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, trafficking in fentanyl, conspiracy to traffic fentanyl, sale of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia. POLK COUNTY, Fla. Polk County deputies are on the hunt for an Orlando man they say is the leader of a violent gang. Also seized at the residence was 24 pounds of THC edibles, 2.4 pounds of marijuana, and a pound of methamphetamine. You can call it the Bell Gang Blues rap song.". 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. First published on May 3, 2021 / 12:45 PM. Florida officials announced the arrests on Oct. 22. 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. Judd said that among the suspects arrested were 690 felony previous charges, and 194 previous convictions. The sheriff also released the following statement following the press conference: Some people still call this low-level, non-violent drugs. When they retrieved the narcotics from Meers' truck, they found luggage with 16 vacuum sealed bags containing approximately 35 pounds of methamphetamine. In February 2022, detectives received a court order for a wiretap and began monitoring suspects, officials said. And then because of HSI, because of the leadership of these professionals who are with me today and others who couldnt make it, we were able to take it from the street level all the way back to the distribution point.. Breaking news and weather alerts:Get the free 10 Tampa Bay app, Stay In the Know! We will continue to follow up leads and make more arrests, so those who think they got away from us think again.. The 85 arrests involved 355 combined felonies and 93 misdemeanors in a case centered on drug trafficking in the area around Winter Haven, Florida, authorities said. One of the suspects, 34-year-old James McClain, reportedly sold methamphetamine that was dyed blue. Mexico-to-Central Florida drug ring broken up,, The new orlandosentinel.com: FAQs and more, Mexico-to-Central Florida drug ring broken up, sheriff says, Florida makes it impossible to check voter eligibility, then pulls out handcuffs | Commentary, Mental well-being drives our ability to flourish | Commentary, Weather clears for successful SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch, High school scores and top performers from Saturday, April 29. 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. The man in the SUVand the driver of the Kia unloaded whatever was in the trunk of the Kia into the SUV. Deputies are looking for a hit-and-run driver after a crash Sunday night seriously injured a 67-year-old motorcyclist in Winter Haven. As the investigation progressed, PCSO detectives learned of a suspected drug trafficker in Georgia,37-year-old Brian Stanton, known as "Lil B," who was arranging for the sale and delivery of methamphetamine in Polk County. Matt Murphy, who witnessed the 2020 gas station crash, told FOX 13 at the time that after the driver crashed through the building, an SUV showed up. FORT MEADE, Fla. - Nearly two dozen people face charges in an undercover drug operation that was a direct response to calls and concerns from the Fort Meade community, officials announced Wednesday. 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. Overall, the investigation seized 268 pounds of meth as well as 6.8 ounces of fentanyl and 48 firearms. The suspects have been charged with a combined 355 felonies and 93 misdemeanors. We arrested the people. Through our partnership with Homeland Security and law enforcement agencies in Florida and Georgia, our detectives took a huge amount of meth off the street and shut down an active drug trafficker operating out of a federal prison." 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. Example video title will go here for this video. "Two milligrams of fentanyl can be a deadly overdose," Judd said. They seized one kilogram of cocaine that was concealed inside a leather zippered Bible case, officials said. Please enter valid email address to continue. They use violence as a means to enforce their trafficking business. 1 federal inmate charged Find 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. Over the course of the next year and a half, detectives made undercover narcotics purchases in the Winter Haven area and learned that drugs were being smuggled from California to Orlando via checked luggage on flights. Authorities said they executed a search warrant at Lewis home on Nov. 23. Several law enforcement agencies including the Orlando Police Department, Osceola County Sheriffs Office and U.S. Border Patrol worked together to focus on taking down the drug-trafficking organization. In all, agents ended up seizing nine pounds of meth, three ounces of heroin, 18 guns and 18 prescription pills. Possession of marijuana with intent to sell (F3) This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. After Meers returned to Georgia, undercover agents sought another purchase. 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. 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. Undercover agents arranged a controlled delivery of the pills to Amber Cayson, 37, at 3237 Xerxes Ave. in Winter Haven, the PCSO said. 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. 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. declares her, Alleged fraud could mean curtain call for theater, Womans car totaled in her driveway by Amazon driver, Missing Largo lawyers husband talks about love &. Download our app. You know he was grooming himself as a community charitable contributor for the kids. POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) The Polk County Sheriffs Office said its undercover detectives have been using dating apps to track down a number of people suspected of buying and selling drugs in the area. "As soon as the first sheriffs office deputies showed up, the SUV took off," Murphy said. 5 suspects arrested 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. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, along with Department of Homeland Security investigators from Tampa and Atlanta, the Haines City Police Department, and Georgia law enforcement agencies, held a news conference Thursday to discuss the investigation. Conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine (F1) Gary White can be reached at gary.white@theledger.com or 863-802-7518. This poison is really killing people, Lopez said. That means 6.8 ounces of fentanyl could have killed up to 96,000 people.. 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. 43-year-old Jennifer Meerswho resides at467 Allana Court, Stone Mountain, Georgia. Palacios is charged with trafficking methamphetamine, theft by receiving stolen property, and animal cruelty (stemming from the illegal rooster fighting ring). Apt #202 in Lake Wales, where they found another pound of cocaine, marijuana, $13,000 cash, and a firearm, they said. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced 85 people were arrested as a result of a wiretap drug bust investigation Friday morning. You see, he was the good guy in the community, made the money, shared it with the kids. Trafficking in methamphetamine (F1) Conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine (F1) In total, the sheriff's office says more than $54 million worth of illegal drugs were seized across the entire operation. Sheriff's officials said several suspects who were arrested obtained their narcotics from Henderson. Altogether, the suspects have 645 previous charges against them, including 314 prior felonies. A second undercover drug exchange was set up, but this time in Georgia. Polk County 'Operation Dirty Water': 6 charged in $54 million drug bust with ties to the Mexican cartel Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says the trafficking of drugs Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Criminals dont know borders or boundaries.. 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. 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 think weve got a big operation going on here? Press Release. Correction: An earlier version of this article misidentified the location of the suspects home base. On March 13, 2021,43-year-old Jennifer Meers of Stone Mountain, Georgiadelivered a suitcase with 12 large clear storage bags containing 26 pounds of methamphetamine to an undercover detective at a hotel in Lakeland. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says the trafficking of drugs was masterminded by a man behind bars. Detectives said three suspects told them they receive government assistance. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, FL Panthers oust Bruins 4-3 in OT in Game 7, 1 killed when plane slams into LA neighborhood, St. Pete donut shop damaged after car crashes into, Texas baseball player hit by gunfire during game, White Sox stop slide with wild 12-9 win against Rays, Where you can use expired Bed Bath & Beyond coupons, Family of Pass-a-Grille drowning victims speaks out, Toddler of Bucs linebacker drowned Sunday, police, USF football player arrested for domestic violence, Womans Medicare cut off after gov. On Sept. 13, 2020, Judd said Jefferson crashed his car into a Marathon gas station on Havendale Boulevard in Winter Haven while impaird, killing a male customer inside. Inside the residence, authorities found 2 adult females and ( NewsNation) Florida authorities say 85 people were arrested in connection to an international drug trafficking ring in Polk County. Only a portion of the seized drugs would have been sold on the street in Polk County, and the rest would have been distributed through the country, he said. 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. Atlanta is the southeastern hub for meth trafficking, Judd said. I believe that they do and they need to address it, he said. 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. The Polk County Sheriffs Office got a tip that someone was selling large amounts of drugs out of a home in the 200 block of Colorado Avenue in Lakeland. "Because he made phone calls, and we have videos from thestore of people running up with masks on going into the trunk and taking items out of the trunk before law enforcement arrived." Deputies said Radina had 12 grams of fentanyl on her when she was arrested. Through our partnership with Homeland Security and law enforcement agencies in Florida and Georgia, our detectives took a huge amount of meth off the street and shut down an active drug trafficker operating out of a federal prison.. 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. According to the Lebanon Police Department, the residence at 603 CL Manier Street has What are the chances of a fourth stimulus check after Biden's address to Congress? WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Detectives in Polk County arrested more than two dozen people in a drug trafficking sting following a 16-month undercover investigation. On March 30, 2021, HSI and PCSO undercover detectives arranged to pick up the drugs from inside Meers' personally owned truck near her place of employment in Atlanta. During an interview, Meers told detectives that Stanton coordinated the delivery of the methamphetamine and that he pays her $500 for every kilo (2.2 pounds) of methamphetamine she delivers. Inside his backpack, they found 75 grams of fentanyl powder, 392 grams of confirmed fentanyl pills (nearly one pound), 175 grams of suspected fentanyl pills, one kilogram of methamphetamine, 75 grams of powder cocaine and 20 grams of crack cocaine. ). According to the sheriff, they were taking drugs out of the trunk so deputies wouldn't find them during their crash investigation. Judd used the news conference to make political statements. Will DeSantis have to resign to run for president? 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.