Surprise, were the cops!. Judd said that among the suspects arrested were 690 felony previous charges, and 194 previous convictions. Detectives executed a search warrant in Winter Haven and seized a pound of methamphetamine while continuing to make undercover narcotics purchases from that point forward from dealers throughout the area. Mexico-to-Central Florida drug ring broken up, sheriff says drug bust drug Meers, 43, had only left federal prison in January and was on probation for a previous drug-trafficking conviction, Judd said. Both men were living illegally in the United States, Judd said. During the investigation, authorities also seized: Sheriff's officials said the total street value of the drugs confiscated is over $12.8 million. Apr. POLK COUNTY, Fla. (CW44 News At 10) - Sheriff Grady Judd says their most recent drug bust resulted in the All rights reserved. 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." That means 6.8 ounces of fentanyl could have killed up to 96,000 people.. First published on May 3, 2021 / 12:45 PM. 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. All of this drug here was not destined for Polk County, just a piece of it, Judd said. 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. 2023 www.theledger.com. Polk County Ornelas-Martinez is in the United States illegally and is charged with manufacturing methamphetamine and possession of a firearm while in the commission of a felony. The liquid methoriginated in Mexico and was smuggled across the border to Palacios, Judd said. On one occasion on one airline, six suitcases with this drug was smuggled into Orlando. He is being held without bond. After the delivery, Meers, who is on federal probation for drug trafficking, left the hotel and returned to Georgia. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Possession of drug paraphernalia (M1). Conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine (F1) Drug Bust Updated: Aug 20, 2022 / 01:55 PM CDT. Meers was on federal probation for drug trafficking at the time of her arrest. 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 Approximately 2.4 pounds of marijuana (street value: approximately $7,000) OK, great. Authorities said they executed a search warrant at Lewis home on Nov. 23. The sheriff detailed one occasion where the suspects smuggled six suitcases full of drugs on a flight from LAX to Orlando. 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. 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. The sheriff also released the following statement following the press conference: Some people still call this low-level, non-violent drugs. 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. Dwayne Kenneth StackhouseSr., 39: Judd said Stackhouse was identified as a large scale cocaine supplier in Central Florida. They wanted to establish a conduit into the county and our undercover detectives were their new operation in Central Florida. Meers arrest led investigators to three labs in Georgia used to convert liquid meth into crystalized form, the PCSO said. He lives in Riverview, but undercover detectives purchased drugs from him in Winter Haven, officials 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. More on @BN9 pic.twitter.com/regN22z8G8. Unlawful use of a two-way communication device (F3). Approximately 2,500 Xanax pills seized (street value: approximately $25,000)TOTAL STREET VALUE: $53,854,640. Approximately 24.8 pounds of THC edibles seized (street value: approximately $8,480) He tried to flee, but was apprehended. ( NewsNation) - Florida authorities say 85 people were arrested in connection to an international drug trafficking Polk County undercover detectives conducted a controlled delivery in Winter Haven, Florida, and arrested 37-year-old Amber Cayson, deputies say. He dismissed as crap any suggestion that there isnt a crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. Polk Sheriff Grady Judd told media on Friday that the investigation, which started in September 2020, resulted in the arrests of85 suspects who are now facing a total of 355 felony chargesand 93 misdemeanors. 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. Press Release. He said several of those arrested were rappers and "marketed themselves because they look cool in the community. Altogether, the suspects have 645 previous charges against them, including 314 prior felonies. International drug trafficking ring busted in Polk County Ken Suarez reports. It means that 6.8 ounces of fentanyl could have killed up to 96,000 people, Judd said. 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 street value on all of this is $54 million dollars@PolkCoSheriff on the largest drug bust Polk County has ever seen. "They didn't so much as throw a pair of underwear in the suitcase to act like they were hiding the drugs. 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.. Richard Tribou is the Senior Content Editor for Audience, and Space and Cruise reporter for the Orlando Sentinel. "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. 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. "Some people still call this low-level, non-violent drugs. The two share policing of Poinciana, a city based in both counties. Criminals dont know borders or boundaries.. This is not a horrible fairy tale. 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 Six people have been arrested, including five people in the country illegally. 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. 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. Learn More. Instead of it being delivered by mail, undercover deputies instead paid her a visit for controlled delivery of the drug. suspects charged in Polk County drug bust, sheriff The sheriff's office said the suspects' previous criminal histories include a total of 194 felony convictions. She graduated from UCF and returned to Central Florida after working in Colorado. The Juarez and Sinaloa cartels are at war and often carry out public murders, Judd said. 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. 59-year-old Isidoro Palacios was arrested at a methamphetamine lab located at5359 Stonewall Tell Road in College Park, Georgia. 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. Sheriff's officials said several suspects who were arrested obtained their narcotics from Henderson. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. / CW44 Tampa Bay. 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. Florida officials announced the arrests on Oct. 22. Judd asked as he donned a large gold chain, one of the pieces of jewelry seized in the investigation. 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. 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. Now that doesnt sound like a lot, just 6.8 ounces. "You think LAX has got a drug smuggling problem at the airport? Sheriff Grady Judd said surveillance video from the gas station showed people in masks running up to the totaled vehicle and grabbing items from the car's trunk before deputies arrived at the scene. You can call it the Bell Gang Blues rap song.". 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. Deputies say Meers left 35 pounds of meth in her truck across the street from the landscaping company she worked for. Its in Winter Haven. Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. The primary drug trafficking broker operated from a federal prison in Georgia. 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. 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. Example video title will go here for this video. The sheriff said the drugs were smuggled in suitcases through domestic flights from LAX. ", "Can y'all make a rap about this?" arrested after Polk County drug bust They were willing to send it here, he said. Sheriff Grady Judd detailed the undercover trafficking operation, which ended with the arrests of three suspects and 11 pounds of fentanyl seized by detectives. Follow on Twitter @garywhite13. 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. Stackhouse was released from jail on May 31, after posting bond in the amount of $116,250, and a GPS ankle monitor was placed on him. They use violence as a means to enforce their trafficking business. 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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. (Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. 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. Lakeland drug kingpin busted 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. Trafficking in methamphetamine (F1) 85 arrested in international drug ring operating out of 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. PCSO undercover detectives conducted a controlled delivery at 3237 Xerxes Avenue NW in Winter Haven and arrested37-year-old Amber Cayson of Winter Haven. 20 firearms seized (3 were reported as stolen) "Two milligrams of fentanyl can be a deadly overdose," Judd 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 &. 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. May 3, 2021 / 12:45 PM "It means that 6.8 ounces of fentanyl could have killed up to 96,000 people. 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. Citizens Insurance customer left confused, frustrated after new flood insurance policy, FHP: 1 dead, 2 in the hospital after crash in Manatee County, 10 Weather: Sunny skies and nice temperatures this week, Tornado watch over for parts of Tampa Bay area. How do I keep bugs off my patio this spring? Lenard Henderson, 42: Judd said Henderson was a large-scale cocaine supplier and a "ringleader." Undercover officers then arranged to buy meth, which would be shipped from Georgia to Polk County. - The Polk County Sheriff's Office says their latest drug bust resulted in the largest seizure of fentanyl in the history of the agency. Get todays headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. May 3, 2021 / 12:45 PM / CW44 Tampa Bay. "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. Before investigators arrived, video showed other people arriving at the scene and pulling items out of the trunk of the c, PREVIOUS: Car slams into Winter Haven gas station shop, killing customer inside. 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. Illegal drugs destroy lives and families, and generate theft and violence in our community, and drug traffickers are profiting from the destruction. However, the family continued to sell drugs at the home after Devontae's death, the sheriff's office said. 5 suspects arrested He is currently in Fulton County Jail with a $100,000 bond. POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) A 9-month long wiretap investigation helped lead to the arrest of over 70 suspects on drug charges in Polk County. Meers' arrest led investigators to the location of 3 methamphetamine conversion labs in Georgia. He was charged with multiple drug-trafficking charges and was released Thursday on $119,500 bond. The man in the SUVand the driver of the Kia unloaded whatever was in the trunk of the Kia into the SUV. 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. HSI agents and South Fulton County Police Department arrested Palacios and seized 77 pounds of methamphetamine, a stolen vehicle, and a stolen shotgun. Download it here. 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. The investigation, called "Operation 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. Possession of Xanax with intent to sell (F3) Polk County Stanton is currently incarcerated in theUnited States Federal Penitentiary in Atlanta. A multi-agency investigation uncovered an international smuggling operation out of Winter Haven that brought drugs into Central Florida, according to the WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Authorities say a two-year undercover investigation resulted in 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. 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. Large Drug Bust Made During Traffic Stop in Polk County. 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. You can watch the full press conference below. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. "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. 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.. In February 2022, detectives received a court order for a wiretap and began monitoring suspects, officials said. The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests and charges are pending. Judd praised Sibley for leading the operation. You see, he was the good guy in the community, made the money, shared it with the kids. They make money off the misery of others. He is facing Polk County, Florida charges of: WebFind out who's a rat by searching our snitch list containing information about known confidential informants, state's witnesses, and other snitches from our database. March 22, 2023. POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) A 9-month long wiretap investigation helped lead to the arrest of over 70 suspects on drug charges in Polk County. Deputies said Radina had 12 grams of fentanyl on her when she was arrested. $53 million in drugs seized in operation including the WebUse this page to report what appears to you as a possible violation of controlled substances laws and regulations. LAKELAND (FOX 13) - The Polk county sheriff says for almost 15 years, a cocaine dealer dodged law enforcement while living the high life. The operation began Jan. 14, when federal agents intercepted a shipment of generic Xanax in New York, Judd said. Two 18-year-olds were also arrested at the home for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, deputies said. Polk County drug dealers busted with more than 600 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 two dozen were arrested following an undercover drug sting by the Polk County Sheriffs Office. It also uncovered an illegal cockfighting ring run by Isidoro Palacios, 59, who was arrested, according to the sheriff's office. 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.. 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. They seized one kilogram of cocaine that was concealed inside a leather zippered Bible case, officials said. His current sentence runs through 2040. It resulted in the largest volume of methamphetamine seized during a joint investigation. Trafficking in methamphetamine (F1) Home; Mugshots; Crime News; Contact; Updated: Nov 4, 2021 / 10:53 PM CDT. Palacios has also been arrested in Florida three times for driving without a license. Inside the residence, authorities found 2 adult females and The operation went through California, Tennessee, and Orlando. 37-year-old Brian Stantonis currently incarcerated in theAtlanta US Penitentiary, Georgia. 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. Florida transgender athlete ban heads to DeSantis' desk, Report: Cruises could restart this summer under CDC guidance, Video shows Hillsborough County deputy help alligator across busy intersection, Fact-checking President Biden's address to Congress, Republican response, COVID-19 vaccine specially developed for animals is on its way to ZooTampa, Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter. 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. Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (F3) 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 POLK COUNTY, Fla. (CW44 News At 10) - Sheriff Grady Judd says their most recent drug bust resulted in the largest methamphetamine seizure in Polk County history. In addition to the arrests, three warrants were issued, the sheriffs office said. Cayson is charged with: Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. in Winter Haven. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. He was arrested Tuesday, and charged with 25 counts conspiracy to sell cocaine, conspiracy to sell marijuana, conspiracy to purchase marijuana, and use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony. When they retrieved the narcotics from Meers' truck, they found luggage with 16 vacuum sealed bags containing approximately 35 pounds of methamphetamine. 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. 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. 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. Meers is charged with: 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. Experts say that most large-scale drug smugglers useports of entry and drugs are not carried by people illegally crossing the border on foot. The others arrested so far are Crescencio Ornelas-Loza, 30, of Fairburn, Georgia; and Luis Ornelas-Martinez, 50, of Stockbridge, Georgia. Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. Polk sheriff: 85 arrested, $12.8M in drugs seized after 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! News FBI - Federal Bureau of Investigation 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. Florida bust: 85 arrested, $12.8M in drugs seized - MSN According to the Lebanon Police Department, the residence at 603 CL Manier Street has Over 70 suspects charged in Polk Co. drug bust | WFLA 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. 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. The RENPHO Foot Massager Machine may be just the gift to make Mothers Day extra special for your mom this year. Drug bust executed in Lebanon - Yahoo News Those arrested on Polk County charges are: 37-year-old Amber Caysonwho resides at3237 Xerxes Avenue NW, Winter Haven. 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. 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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