polk county drug bust today

polk county drug bust today

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. 5 suspects arrested But it does not stop there. This time, leading investigators to the United States Federal Penitentiary in Atlanta where 37-year-old Brian Staton, known as "Lil B" was being held. He tried to flee, but was apprehended. We seized 20 firearms during this investigation, including rifles, shotguns, handguns, and three stolen guns. 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. I believe that they do, and they need to address it ASAP. When undercover detectives asked about the color, McClain allegedly told them it was dyed blue "in recognition of the Democratic Party.". You think weve got a big operation going on here? 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. The sheriff said investigators seized $88,000 in cash, $89,000 worth of jewelry, and $283,000 worth of narcotics in the bust. The woman had connections to the Juarez drug cartel in Mexico, Judd 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. Radinawas arrested and charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, trafficking in fentanyl, conspiracy to traffic fentanyl, sale of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia. Over two dozen were arrested following an undercover drug sting by the Polk County Sheriffs Office. 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. 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. Possession of a structure for drug trafficking (F2) Trafficking in methamphetamine (F1) You see, he was the good guy in the community, made the money, shared it with the kids. On Tuesday, detectives searched another one of his residences, 2245 5thSt.NE in Winter Haven, and found large amounts of illegal narcotics, along with scales and paraphernalia, and two firearms a 12-gauge shotgun and a 9mm handgun. Example video title will go here for this video. Judd appeared with State Attorney Brian Haas and representatives from the U.S. Border Patrol, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Winter Haven Police Department and the Osceola County Sheriffs Office to detail the results of a drug sting investigation that included the use of wiretaps for what Judd said was a ring that ran from Mexico to Los Angeles and Fresno, California, and then arriving to Central Florida through domestic flights to Orlando International Airport. "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." Detectives arrested Castro Solache and Mondragon on Oct. 12 and booked them in Polk County, the release said. ( NewsNation) Florida authorities say 85 people were arrested in connection to an international drug trafficking ring 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. According to the Lebanon Police Department, the residence at 603 CL Manier Street has 2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. 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. 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. "Now I'm not sure if the Democrat Party would be proud of that, but that's why it was blue, according to him," 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 The investigation resulted in the arrest of 85 suspects charged with a total of 355 felonies and 93 misdemeanors. Undercover detectives made multiple drug purchases at his Winter Haven home, learning that six months earlier, one of Demarcus' brothers, Devontae, died from a Fentanyl and Xanax overdose at that same house. POLK COUNTY, Fla. A multi-state, joint drug trafficking investigation, has netted a seizure of more than $50 million in drugs. Palacios is charged with trafficking methamphetamine, theft by receiving stolen property, and animal cruelty (stemming from the illegal rooster fighting ring). The operation began Jan. 14, when federal agents intercepted a shipment of generic Xanax in New York, Judd said. According to the sheriff, they were taking drugs out of the trunk so deputies wouldn't find them during their crash investigation. One of the suspects, 34-year-old James McClain, reportedly sold methamphetamine that was dyed blue. The operation involved the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Department of Homeland Security, Haines City Police Department and law enforcement agencies from Georgia. The suspects have been charged with a combined 355 felonies and 93 misdemeanors. This story was originally published on April 30, 2021 and update reflects details of arrests. A short time later, Meers was arrested on a Polk County Sheriff's Office warrant by the Sandy Springs Georgia Police Department during a traffic stop. Get todays headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. 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. 3.4 pounds of MDMA, also known as Ecstasy. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. WebPolk Busted - Daily Polk County Jail arrest mugshots, sheriff booking inquirey, and crime news for Lakeland, Winter Haven and more. Meers' arrest led investigators to the location of 3 methamphetamine conversion labs in Georgia. However, the family continued to sell drugs at the home after Devontae's death, the sheriff's office said. The sheriff said a wiretap investigation began in February 2022. They found illegal Xanax, carisoprodol pills, and methamphetamine in his backpack. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. ( 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, Atlanta is the southeastern hub for meth trafficking, Judd said. Its the truth," Judd said. A second undercover drug exchange was set up, but this time in Georgia. The sheriff's office said the suspects' previous criminal histories include a total of 194 felony convictions. 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. Inside the residence, authorities found 2 adult females and [TRENDING: How much? - The Polk County Sheriff's Office says their latest drug bust resulted in the largest seizure of fentanyl in the history of the agency. His criminal history includes 4 arrests in Georgia. Gary White can be reached at gary.white@theledger.com or 863-802-7518. 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! They didnt so much as throw a pair of underwear in the suitcase to act like they were hiding the drugs. 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. The Juarez and Sinaloa cartels are at war and often carry out public murders, Judd said. Maurice Owens, 41, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Conspiracy to purchase marijuana (1 counts) Conspiracy to purchase marijuana (11 counts) Unlawful use of two communication device (1 count), Tremaine Parker, 29, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Conspiracy to purchase marijuana (1 counts) Unlawful use of a two-way device (1 count), Letisha Kaye Pride, 46, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (1 count) Possession of marijuana with intent to sell (1 count) Possession of drug paraphernalia (1 count) Armed trafficking in cocaine over 400 grams (1 count) Maintaining a residence for drug sales (1 count) Conspiracy to traffic cocaine 28 grams or more (1 count) Conspiracy to sell/purchase cocaine (15 counts) Unlawful use of a two-way device (1 count), Uquasha Pride, 19, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Possession of heroin (1 count) Possession of drug paraphernalia (1 count), TaQuasia Primus, 22, of Winter Haven was arrested for: Child abuse (1 count) Possession of cocaine Possession of drug paraphernalia Violation of probation (2 counts), Dennis Richmond, 59, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Conspiracy to purchase cocaine (4 counts) Conspiracy to purchase cannabis (1 count) Unlawful use of a two way device (1count), Niaisia Ross, 20, of Winter Haven was arrested for: Possession of cocaine (1 count) Possession of marijuana with intent to sell (1 count) Possession of drug paraphernalia (1 count), Heidi Sutton, 39, of Frostproof was arrested for: Possession of MDMA (1 count) Possession of methamphetamine (1 count) Possession of drug paraphernalia (1 count) Maintaining a vehicle for drugs (1 count), Earl Thomas, 67, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Conspiracy to possess marijuana with intent to sell (1 count) Conspiracy to sell marijuana (3 counts) Unlawful use of two communication device (1 count). 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. Judd said Samuel was usinga forged Georgia drivers license to evade law enforcement and travel between Florida and California. Apt #202 in Lake Wales, where they found another pound of cocaine, marijuana, $13,000 cash, and a firearm, they said. You can watch the full video below. 59-year-old Isidoro Palacios was arrested at a methamphetamine lab located at5359 Stonewall Tell Road in College Park, Georgia. In total, the sheriff's office says more than $54 million worth of illegal drugs were seized across the entire operation. 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. What are the chances of a fourth stimulus check after Biden's address to Congress? Follow on Twitter @garywhite13. The investigation, called "Operation No Snow," focused on the illegal sale of cocaine and meth, according to the Polk County Deputies say Meers left 35 pounds of meth in her truck across the street from the landscaping company she worked for. They were willing to send it here, he said. Possession of marijuana with intent to sell (F3) 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. Possession of drug paraphernalia (M1). Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Overall, the investigation seized 268 pounds of meth as well as 6.8 ounces of fentanyl and 48 firearms. One of the cartels is not very happy today because their folks got caught with a whole lotta drugs," Sheriff Grady Judd said. All rights reserved. Instead of it being delivered by mail, undercover deputies instead paid her a visit for controlled delivery of the drug. 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, The sheriff's office announced the arrests in alphabetical order: Jerald Anderson, 35, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Conspiracy to sell marijuana (21 Counts) Conspiracy to sell cocaine (8 counts) Conspiracy to purchase cocaine (2 counts) Conspiracy to purchase marijuana (1count) Unlawful use of two-way communication device (1 count) Possession of cannabis over 20 grams (1count) Possession of cannabis with intent to sell (1count) Possession of drug paraphernalia (1count) Maintaining a vehicle for drugs (1count) Driving with a suspended license (1count), George Ashe, 43, of Bartow was arrested for: Conspiracy to purchase marijuana(2 counts) Unlawful use of a two-way device (1 count), William Byrd, 29, of Lakeland was arrested for: Conspiracy to purchase cannabis (4 counts) Unlawful use of two communication device (1 count), Fenel Celestin, 33, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Trafficking in methamphetamine (1 count) Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (1 count) Possession of Xanax (1 count) Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon (1 count) Possession of cocaine with intent to sell (1 count) Possessing a structure to traffic drugs (1 count) possession of marijuana with intent to sell (1 count) Possession of drug paraphernalia (1 count), Ashauntea Dias, 20, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Possession of heroin (1 count) Possession of drug paraphernalia (1 count) Possession of a firearm by a delinquent (1 count), Kelvin Eads, 47, of Frostproof was arrested for: Conspiracy to purchase marijuana (3 counts) Unlawful use of two communication device (1 count), Patrick Fields, 34, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Trafficking in methamphetamine 28 grams or more (1 counts) Conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine 28 grams or more (1 count) Conspiracy to sell cocaine (2 counts) Conspiracy to sell marijuana (3 counts) Conspiracy to purchase marijuana (1 count) Conspiracy to traffic cocaine 28 grams or more (1 count) Unlawful use of two-way communication device (1 count) Possession of marijuana over 20 grams Possession of MDMA (Ecstasy) Possession of drug paraphernalia Maintaining a residence for drugs, Silvia Gonzalez, 41, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Conspiracy to purchase marijuana (5 counts) Conspiracy to purchase cocaine (8 counts) Unlawful use of two communication device (1 count), Johnny Hamilton, 55, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (1 count) Resisting an officer without violence (1 count) Possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell (1 count) Possession of codeine with intent to sell (1 count) Possession of drug paraphernalia (1 count), Terrance Hamilton, 48, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, Shantavis Handford, 19, of Winter Haven was arrested for: Possession of cocaine (1 count) Possession of marijuana with intent to sell (1 count) Possession of drug paraphernalia (1 count), Clifford Hart, 35, of Winter Haven was arrested for: Conspiracy to purchase marijuana (3 counts) Conspiracy to sell marijuana (30 counts) Unlawful use of two communication device (1 count), Julie Howell, 34, of Lakeland was arrested for: Possession of cocaine (1 count) Possession of drug paraphernalia (1 count) Trafficking in methamphetamine (1 count), Jackquez Irving, 28, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Conspiracy to purchase marijuana (2 counts) Unlawful use of a two-way device (1 count), Kerry Johnson, 42, of Orlando was arrested in Orange County for a Polk County warrant for: Conspiracy to sell marijuana (3 counts) Unlawful use of two communication device (1 count), Adrienne Kinsler, 31, of Plant City was arrested for: Possession of cocaine (1 count) Possession of drug paraphernalia (1 count) Possession of oxycodone (1 count) Possession of marijuana under 20 grams (1 count) Possession of prescription medication without a prescription (1 count), Jose Lopez-Ortiz, 26, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Conspiracy to purchase marijuana (8 counts) Unlawful use of two communication device (1 count). ). The RENPHO Foot Massager Machine may be just the gift to make Mothers Day extra special for your mom this year. The primary drug trafficking broker operated from a federal prison in Georgia. Methamphetamine destroys lives, degrades communities, and ruins families. His current sentence runs through 2040. 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. (Polk County Sheriff's Office) 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. Correction: An earlier version of this article misidentified the location of the suspects home base. PCSO undercover detectives conducted a controlled delivery at 3237 Xerxes Avenue NW in Winter Haven and arrested37-year-old Amber Cayson of Winter Haven. Altogether, the suspects have 645 previous charges against them, including 314 prior felonies. Lenard Henderson, 42: Judd said Henderson was a large-scale cocaine supplier and a "ringleader." 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. Conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine (F1) / CW44 Tampa Bay. 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. 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. According to a release from the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the drug trafficking organization also has ties with the Mexican drug cartel. Sibley said the investigation is ongoing and could yield further arrests. On Sept. 13, 2020, deputies say Demarcus Jefferson crashed his sedan into a Winter Haven gas station, killing a customer inside. 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. The investigation began on January 14, 2021, when a parcel shipped from Quebec, Canada containing approximately 2,500 Xanax pills was intercepted by investigators. They make money off the misery of others. Get notified on your phone in the morning with the latest forecast and news to start your day. On March 13, Jennifer Meers of Stone Mountain, Georgia, delivered a suitcase containing plastic bags holding 26 pounds of meth to undercover detectives in Polk County, the PCSOsaid. Mason was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. 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. 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. "He was the one who really put together the trips from LAX to Florida," Judd said. All rights reserved. Now shes an arrested girl," Judd said. Demarcus Terrell Jefferson, 32: Sheriff's officials say detectives heard Jefferson and other family members were smuggling drugs on flights and made several undercover drug purchases at his home at 2073 9th Lane NE in Winter Haven. 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. Possession of Xanax with intent to sell (F3) "They didn't so much as throw a pair of underwear in the suitcase to act like they were hiding the drugs. HSI agents and South Fulton County Police Department arrested Palacios and seized 77 pounds of methamphetamine, a stolen vehicle, and a stolen shotgun. 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. 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. ", 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. 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. All of this drug here was not destined for Polk County, just a piece of it, Judd said. He is currently in Fulton County Jail with a $100,000 bond. Judd praised Sibley for leading the operation. "You think LAX has got a drug smuggling problem at the airport? 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. 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. Shes a bad girl. The mastermind of the drug-trafficking network ran it from inside the United States Penitentiary Atlanta, where he is an inmate, he said. More on @BN9 pic.twitter.com/regN22z8G8. But now his golf course community days are over. But Meers visited a psychic who warned her that it wasnt a good time to travel to Florida, Judd said. POLK COUNTY, Texas (KETK) The Polk County Sheriffs Department arrested five people Wednesday on drug possession and distribution charges, rescuing three children as well. 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. It resulted in the largest volume of methamphetamine seized during a joint investigation. 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. He is being held without bond. ". Sheriff Grady Judd detailed the undercover trafficking operation, which ended with the arrests of three suspects and 11 pounds of fentanyl seized by detectives. Undercover agents arranged a controlled delivery of the pills to Amber Cayson, 37, at 3237 Xerxes Ave. in Winter Haven, the PCSO said. Deputies said Kevin Mason, 54, of Lakeland showed up to the residence on a bicycle, and told a detective he was there to purchase $100 worth of narcotics.

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