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. Now that doesnt sound like a lot, just 6.8 ounces. That means 6.8 ounces of fentanyl could have killed up to 96,000 people.. 1 federal inmate charged Now that doesnt sound like a lot, 6.8 ounces of fentanyl, but according to our DEA partners, 2 mg of fentanyl can be a deadly overdose, Judd said. 5 vehicles seized (1 was reported as a stolen vehicle) 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. All of this drug here was not destined for Polk County, just a piece of it, Judd said. Judd said the investigation is ongoing and there were suspects the Sheriff's Office was still looking for. 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. Lenard Henderson, 42: Judd said Henderson was a large-scale cocaine supplier and a "ringleader." Possession of a structure for drug trafficking (F2) 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. 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. The investigation began in September 2020, officials said, when detectives executed a search warrant in Winter Haven and seized a pound of methamphetamine. On one occasion on one airline, six suitcases with this drug was smuggled into Orlando. WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Detectives in Polk County arrested more than two dozen people in a drug trafficking sting following a 16-month undercover investigation. Within minutes of the wiretap starting, Judd said detectives heard chatter about an unsolved homicide that the Winter Haven Police Departmentis investigating. 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. All rights reserved. Florida officials announced the arrests on Oct. 22. Over two dozen were arrested following an undercover drug sting by the Polk County Sheriffs Office. "But what did he have with him when he drove into the front of this store while impaired? 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. It resulted in the largest volume of methamphetamine seized during a joint investigation. 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. 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. 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. 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. ( 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, Meers' arrest led investigators to the location of 3 methamphetamine conversion labs in Georgia. 37-year-old Brian Stantonis currently incarcerated in theAtlanta US Penitentiary, Georgia. Conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine (F1) His criminal history includes 4 arrests in Georgia. (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. After the delivery, Meers, who is on federal probation for drug trafficking, left the hotel and returned to Georgia. Large Drug Bust Made During Traffic Stop in Polk County. The RENPHO Foot Massager Machine may be just the gift to make Mothers Day extra special for your mom this year. POLK COUNTY, Fla. 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. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. 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. 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. The primary drug trafficking broker operated from a federal prison in Georgia. 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. 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. 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. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. They wanted to establish a conduit into the county and our undercover detectives were their new operation in Central Florida. Will DeSantis have to resign to run for president? 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. Authorities identified 55-year-old Lisa Radina as a dealer. Cayson is charged with: But it does not stop there. He had drugs," Judd said. You can watch the full press conference below. 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. She was arrested and the investigation pushed forward. The investigation, called "Operation RELATED: Stepfather of boy rescued from abuse by Orlando restaurant manager gets life sentence. 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. Copyright 2023 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Follow on Twitter @garywhite13. They didnt so much as throw a pair of underwear in the suitcase to act like they were hiding the drugs. A second undercover drug exchange was set up, but this time in Georgia. What are the chances of a fourth stimulus check after Biden's address to Congress? 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. Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Both men were living illegally in the United States, Judd said. She graduated from UCF and returned to Central Florida after working in Colorado. His current sentence runs through 2040. POLK COUNTY, Fla. A multi-state, joint drug trafficking investigation, has netted a seizure of more than $50 million in drugs. He dismissed as crap any suggestion that there isnt a crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. One of the cartels is not very happy today because their folks got caught with a whole lotta drugs," Sheriff Grady Judd said. The suspects have been charged with a combined 355 felonies and 93 misdemeanors. 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.. Possession of marijuana resin (edibles) (F3) ( NewsNation) - Florida authorities say 85 people were arrested in connection to an international drug trafficking Possession of marijuana with intent to sell (F3) [TRENDING: How much? Crossings have increased in recent months, and conservative politicians blame the immigration policies of President Joe Biden. 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. Apr. To catch you up to speed, Judd says we'll have to start in January when an envelope shipped from Canada containing 2,544 Xanax pills was intercepted. Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez was on hand since the criminal activity often ventured past the county border. Over the weekend, Polk County Police Officer Howard of the Uniformed Patrol Division was According to the Lebanon Police Department, the residence at 603 CL Manier Street has 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. 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. Example video title will go here for this video. 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. 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). HSI agents and South Fulton County Police Department arrested Palacios and seized 77 pounds of methamphetamine, a stolen vehicle, and a stolen shotgun. "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. International drug trafficking ring busted in Polk County Ken Suarez reports. When undercover detectives asked about the color, McClain allegedly told them it was dyed blue "in recognition of the Democratic Party.". Two 18-year-olds were also arrested at the home for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, deputies said. 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. 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. 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. Though the buckets bore the logo of Home Depot, Judd said the home-improvement chain had no role in the trafficking ring. 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. Atlanta is the southeastern hub for meth trafficking, Judd said. Press Release. He is in the United States illegally. The investigation began on January 14, 2021, when a parcel shipped from Quebec, Canada containing approximately 2,500 Xanax pills was intercepted by investigators. 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.. According to the They use violence as a means to enforce their trafficking business. ", 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. / CW44 Tampa Bay. The wiretap led to 14 search warrants in Auburndale, Davenport, Polk City, Lake Wales, Winter Havenand Riverview, as well as in Fresno, California. 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. 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. Brenda Argueta is a digital journalist who joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021. 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! During the investigation, Judd said, detectives learned that one of his brothers died of an overdose of fentanyl and Xanax at the same house. in Winter Haven. ". On Sept. 13, 2020, deputies say Demarcus Jefferson crashed his sedan into a Winter Haven gas station, killing a customer inside. 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. The sheriff's office says it was headed to 37-year-old Amber Cayson of Winter Haven. 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. ", 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. Get notified on your phone in the morning with the latest forecast and news to start your day. Judd emphasized the connections of the trafficking ring to the Juarez drug cartel, one of Mexicos most established crime organizations. "Two milligrams of fentanyl can be a deadly overdose," Judd said. 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. The sheriff said a wiretap investigation began in February 2022. 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. In February 2022, detectives received a court order for a wiretap and began monitoring suspects, officials said. Surprise, were the cops!. California Consumer Limit the Use of My Sensitive Personal Information, California Consumer Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. You think LAX just got a drug smuggling problem at the airport? 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. Radinawas arrested and charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, trafficking in fentanyl, conspiracy to traffic fentanyl, sale of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia. He lives in Riverview, but undercover detectives purchased drugs from him in Winter Haven, officials said. Undercover agents arranged a controlled delivery of the pills to Amber Cayson, 37, at 3237 Xerxes Ave. in Winter Haven, the PCSO said. All rights reserved. Home; Mugshots; Crime News; Contact; They seized one kilogram of cocaine that was concealed inside a leather zippered Bible case, officials said. Learn More. We seized 20 firearms during this investigation, including rifles, shotguns, handguns, and three stolen guns. 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. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Undercover officers then arranged to buy meth, which would be shipped from Georgia to Polk County. The investigation resulted in the arrest of 85 suspects charged with a total of 355 felonies and 93 misdemeanors. 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. ( NewsNation) Florida authorities say 85 people were arrested in connection to an international drug trafficking ring in Polk County. The sheriff also released the following statement following the press conference: Some people still call this low-level, non-violent drugs. 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. 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. Updated: Nov 4, 2021 / 10:53 PM CDT. 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. Its in Winter Haven. 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. March 22, 2023. "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. Sibley said the investigation is ongoing and could yield further arrests. Those props illustrated Judds announcement Thursday morning of what he said was the largest methamphetamine bust in the history of the Polk County Sheriffs Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (F3) The sheriffs office received a call Wednesday about a young child walking alone on US Highway 190 in the Onalaska area. Judd said Samuel was usinga forged Georgia drivers license to evade law enforcement and travel between Florida and California. Illegal drugs destroy lives and families, and generate theft and violence in our community, and drug traffickers are profiting from the destruction. 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. Approximately 2.4 pounds of marijuana (street value: approximately $7,000) Palacios is charged with trafficking methamphetamine, theft by receiving stolen property, and animal cruelty (stemming from the illegal rooster fighting ring). We will continue to follow up leads and make more arrests, so those who think they got away from us think again.. 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. You can also watch a report by Spectrum Bay News 9's Ashonti Ford in the video above. I believe that they do, and they need to address it ASAP. 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. "It means that 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. Trafficking in methamphetamine (F1) 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. The sheriff said investigators seized $88,000 in cash, $89,000 worth of jewelry, and $283,000 worth of narcotics in the bust. Federal and local investigators took him down along with 18 alleged sub-dealers and buyers in the Lakeland area. His criminal history includes 11 arrests in Georgia to include charges of DUI, trafficking in methamphetamine, willful obstruction of law enforcement, and driving without a license. But according to our DEA partners, 2 milligrams of fentanyl can be a deadly overdose. 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.. 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. 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. They make money off the misery of others. A search of his home turned up about a pound of marijuana and a handgun. 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. 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 Juarez and Sinaloa cartels are at war and often carry out public murders, Judd said. It also uncovered an illegal cockfighting ring run by Isidoro Palacios, 59, who was arrested, according to the sheriff's office. ). Detectives said three suspects told them they receive government assistance. Deputies say Meers left 35 pounds of meth in her truck across the street from the landscaping company she worked for. 29A drug bust was executed at a Lebanon residence Thursday. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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 In addition to the arrests, three warrants were issued, the sheriffs office said. Possession of drug paraphernalia (M1). He was charged with multiple drug-trafficking charges and was released Thursday on $119,500 bond. Deputies are looking for a hit-and-run driver after a crash Sunday night seriously injured a 67-year-old motorcyclist in Winter Haven. Meers was on federal probation for drug trafficking at the time of her arrest. Three for driving without a valid license and one charge for theft by receiving stolen property. 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. Meers arrest led investigators to three labs in Georgia used to convert liquid meth into crystalized form, the PCSO said. 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 &. 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. 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. We arrested the people. ", 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. WINTER HAVENPolk County Sheriff Grady Judd stood beside a table piled with bags of crystal methamphetamine and a pyramid of plastic buckets. They were willing to send it here, he said. Read More. "As soon as the first sheriffs office deputies showed up, the SUV took off," Murphy said. Trafficking in methamphetamine (F1) Approximately 24.8 pounds of THC edibles seized (street value: approximately $8,480) 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. "He was the one who really put together the trips from LAX to Florida," Judd said. 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. According to the sheriffs office, 24 pounds of THC edibles, 2.4 pounds of marijuana and a pound of methamphetamine were found at the Winter Haven home.
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