The investigation, called "Operation 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. "You think LAX has got a drug smuggling problem at the airport? Vincent Thomas, 35, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Trafficking in Cocaine 400 grams or more (1 count) Possession of marijuana with intent to sell (1 count) Conspiracy to traffic cocaine 28 grams or more (4 counts) Conspiracy to sell cocaine (9 counts) Conspiracy to purchase cocaine (1 count) Conspiracy to sell marijuana ( 141 counts) Conspiracy to purchase marijuana ( 5 counts) Unlawful use of a two-way device (1 count) Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (1 count) Possession of drug paraphernalia (1 count) Possession of oxycodone (1 count) Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (1 count) Possession of prescription medication without a prescription (1 count) Maintaining a structure to sell drugs (1 count)His criminal history includes 173 felonies and 16 misdemeanors. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. 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. You can also watch a report by Spectrum Bay News 9's Ashonti Ford in the video above. The following were seized, according to the sheriff's office: By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Mexico-to-Central Florida drug ring broken up, sheriff says POLK COUNTY, Fla. Polk County deputies are on the hunt for an Orlando man they say is the leader of a violent gang. / CW44 Tampa Bay. Violations may include the growing, manufacture, distribution or He is currently in Fulton County Jail with a $100,000 bond. Florida officials announced the arrests on Oct. 22. All 18 people arrested in a multi-jurisdictional operation in South Rome remained in jail Monday on drug charges, pending bond hearings in Floyd County Superior Court. 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.. Meers arrest led investigators to three labs in Georgia used to convert liquid meth into crystalized form, the PCSO said. According to the Lebanon Police Department, the residence at 603 CL Manier Street has Sibley said the investigation is ongoing and could yield further arrests. 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. Possessing a vehicle for drug trafficking (F2) 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. These drug dealers have blood on their hands. $54M Worth Of Drugs Seized In Polk, Largest Bust In County You think LAX just got a drug smuggling problem at the airport? News FBI - Federal Bureau of Investigation 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. The sheriff said the drugs were smuggled in suitcases through domestic flights from LAX. She was arrested and the investigation pushed forward. 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. Meers' previous criminal history includes 22 arrests in Georgia to include charges of drug trafficking, possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, DUI, battery, theft, fraud, giving a false name to a law enforcement officer, and multiple probation violations. Lewis, 41, was arrested for armed trafficking in fentanyl, armed trafficking in cocaine, armed trafficking in methamphetamine, conspiracy to traffic fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia, sale of fentanyl, possession of weapon by a convicted felon, possession of marijuana over 20 grams, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of firearm by a convicted felon, maintaining residence for drug trafficking, maintaining residence for drug sales, possession of drug paraphernalia, tampering with evidence and resisting a law enforcement officer without violence. Polk sheriff: 85 arrested, $12.8M in drugs seized after The sheriff said a wiretap investigation began in February 2022. 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 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. Snitch List: Snitches, Rats, and Informants - Cop Blaster: Police - The Polk County Sheriff's Office says their latest drug bust resulted in the largest seizure of fentanyl in the history of the agency. 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. The drugs were then transported by ground from the airport into Polk County. 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. "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. Possession of a structure for drug trafficking (F2) LAKELAND (FOX 13) - The Polk county sheriff says for almost 15 years, a cocaine dealer dodged law enforcement while living the high life. Stanton is currently incarcerated in theUnited States Federal Penitentiary in Atlanta. He had drugs," Judd said. He dismissed as crap any suggestion that there isnt a crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. Atlanta is the southeastern hub for meth trafficking, Judd said. All rights reserved. Will DeSantis have to resign to run for president? 2023 www.theledger.com. You know he was grooming himself as a community charitable contributor for the kids. But it does not stop there. 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.. Experts say that most large-scale drug smugglers useports of entry and drugs are not carried by people illegally crossing the border on foot. 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. That means 6.8 ounces of fentanyl could have killed up to 96,000 people.. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. When they retrieved the narcotics from Meers' truck, they found luggage with 16 vacuum sealed bags containing approximately 35 pounds of methamphetamine. Darmonte Munson, 30: Sheriff's officials said a piece of luggage that was intercepted was slated for Munsons residence at514 Lake Dexter Blvd. Stanton's criminal history includes 26 arrests in Georgia to include charges of trafficking in methamphetamine, conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine, threatening a law enforcement officer, furnishing alcohol to a minor, and numerous parole and probation violations. Drug bust 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). Learn More. 5 vehicles seized (1 was reported as a stolen vehicle) They make money off the misery of others. Follow on Twitter @garywhite13. WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Detectives in Polk County arrested more than two dozen people in a drug trafficking sting following a 16-month undercover investigation. 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. 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. Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter. Updated: Nov 4, 2021 / 10:53 PM CDT. 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. 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. 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! 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 said Radinas criminal history includes a federal charge for drug trafficking in Maryland, and four other drug trafficking arrests in Maryland and New York. ( NewsNation) - Florida authorities say 85 people were arrested in connection to an international drug trafficking Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Three days after Sibley contacted Judd's office, undercover operations were set up in Polk County. Lenard Henderson, 42: Judd said Henderson was a large-scale cocaine supplier and a "ringleader." Whether its a short vacation or theyre jetting off to begin their career, show the future traveler you care with a meaningful graduation gift. Large Drug Bust Made During Traffic Stop in Polk County. The investigation resulted in the arrest of 85 suspects charged with a total of 355 felonies and 93 misdemeanors. Those props illustrated Judds announcement Thursday morning of what he said was the largest methamphetamine bust in the history of the Polk County Sheriffs Department, netting the seizure of more than $53 million in illegal drugs. The suspects previous criminal histories, he said, include 690 previous felonies, 712 previous misdemeanors, and 194 felony convictions. He was charged with multiple drug-trafficking charges and was released Thursday on $119,500 bond. Polk 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. Investigators also seized 20 guns, three of which were reported as stolen, the release said. Approximately 1500 pounds of methamphetamine seized (street value: approximately $53.8 million) Bust [TRENDING: How much? Example video title will go here for this video. Three for driving without a valid license and one charge for theft by receiving stolen property. The liquid methoriginated in Mexico and was smuggled across the border to Palacios, Judd said. 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. Abadosh McKenzie, 41:The Sheriff's Office said McKenzie was identified as a counterfeit fentanyl pill supplier, as well as a supplier of methamphetamine, MDMA, and marijuana. The Sheriff's Office learned that Brian Stanton, an inmate at United States Penitentiary Atlanta, was directing the sale and delivery of meth in Polk County, the release said. His current sentence runs through 2040. He said several of those arrested were rappers and "marketed themselves because they look cool in the community. 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. Surprise, were the cops!. These drug dealers have blood on their hands. Approximately 2,500 Xanax pills seized (street value: approximately $25,000)TOTAL STREET VALUE: $53,854,640. 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.. You can watch the full press conference below. drug During the investigation, authorities also seized: Sheriff's officials said the total street value of the drugs confiscated is over $12.8 million. It means that 6.8 ounces of fentanyl could have killed up to 96,000 people, Judd said. "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. Deputies say Meers left 35 pounds of meth in her truck across the street from the landscaping company she worked for. Authorities said they executed a search warrant at Lewis home on Nov. 23. 1 federal inmate charged May 3, 2021 / 12:45 PM Because of his leadership and his eagerness to help us with this operation and because we partnered across city, state and federal lines, this is how this happens, Judd said, because this is an international drug-smuggling operation that came all the way down to your child in Polk County, Florida.. Instead of it being delivered by mail, undercover deputies instead paid her a visit for controlled delivery of the drug. They make money off the misery of others. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Sheriff Grady Judd detailed the undercover trafficking operation, which ended with the arrests of three suspects and 11 pounds of fentanyl seized by detectives. PCSO undercover detectives conducted a controlled delivery at 3237 Xerxes Avenue NW in Winter Haven and arrested37-year-old Amber Cayson of Winter Haven. We seized 20 firearms during this investigation, including rifles, shotguns, handguns, and three stolen guns. Criminals dont know borders or boundaries.. 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. Federal agents seized a parcel containing about 2,500 generic Xanax pills, PCSO said. Meers is charged with: 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. The Polk Sheriffs Office heads the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, which includes local police agencies. If you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000. Cayson is charged with: According to the 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. When undercover detectives asked about the color, McClain allegedly told them it was dyed blue "in recognition of the Democratic Party.". Richard Tribou is the Senior Content Editor for Audience, and Space and Cruise reporter for the Orlando Sentinel. He is facing Polk County, Florida charges of: 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. 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. Showing an image of one incident that had 96 pounds of methamphetamine and 48 pounds of cannabis in six suitcases seized during the investigation, Judd took aim at the baggage inspections taking place at Los Angeles International Airport. "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. 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. The sheriff's office says it was headed to 37-year-old Amber Cayson of Winter Haven. 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. Gary White can be reached at gary.white@theledger.com or 863-802-7518. This story was originally published on April 30, 2021 and update reflects details of arrests. One of the cartels is not very happy today because their folks got caught with a whole lotta drugs," Sheriff Grady Judd said. 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. Download it here. The 24 orange buckets displayed at the news conference were of the same type used by the traffickers and symbolized the amount of liquid meth seized, Judd said. Shes a bad girl. I believe that they do, and they need to address it ASAP. "It means that 6.8 ounces of fentanyl could have killed up to 96,000 people. Man killed by Lake Wales police after fatally shooting K-9, Winter Haven man told 911 dispatcher he shot his father, PCSO says, Haines City Police officer recovering after beingshot during a traffic stop Sunday, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. The Sheriff's Office said he is charged with DUI manslaughter in that incident and his criminal case is pending. If you look at our org chart there, youll notice that theres kind of three distinct groups of people, he said. Meers' arrest led investigators to the location of 3 methamphetamine conversion labs in Georgia. in Winter Haven. Those props illustrated Judds announcement Thursday morning of what he said was the largest methamphetamine bust in the history of the Polk County Sheriffs 50-year-old Luis Ornelas-Martinezwas arrested by HSI agents and the Henry County Police Department at his residence located on321ASA Moseley Road in Stockbridge, Georgia. Judd praised Sibley for leading the operation. Two 18-year-olds were also arrested at the home for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, deputies said. arrested after Polk County drug bust The first and biggest bust occurred on Oct. 12 when Mario Alberto Castro Solache, 29, of Raleigh; Pedro Mondragon, 27, of Lillington; and Ignacio Rodriguez, 28, Bradenton, Florida, were arrested in connection to the largest drug bust in the history of Polk County, Florida. Possession of drug paraphernalia (M1). This is not a horrible fairy tale. Sheriff's officials said they arrested his partner, Vicente Carranza-Basanta, the same day. Polk Sheriff Grady Judd told media on Friday that the investigation, which started in September 2020, resulted in the arrests of 85 suspects who are now facing a