It resulted in the largest volume of methamphetamine seized during a joint investigation. They use violence as a means to enforce their trafficking business. All rights reserved. Methamphetamine destroys lives, degrades communities, and ruins families. 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. The Sandy Springs Police Department arrested Meers on March 30 on a warrant from the Polk Sheriffs Office. Polk County 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. $54M Worth Of Drugs Seized In Polk, Largest Bust In County This is not a horrible fairy tale. Conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine (F1) 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. During the investigation, authorities also seized: Sheriff's officials said the total street value of the drugs confiscated is over $12.8 million. The street value on all of this is $54 million dollars@PolkCoSheriff on the largest drug bust Polk County has ever seen. WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Authorities say a two-year undercover investigation resulted in When deputies arrested Cayson, they found 2.4 pounds of marijuana, 24 pounds of edible THC-infused products and one pound of methamphetamine, the release said. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Undercover officers then arranged to buy meth, which would be shipped from Georgia to Polk County. 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. 29A drug bust was executed at a Lebanon residence Thursday. 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. James McClain, 34, 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 marijuana over 20 grams (1count) Possession of marijuana with intent to sell (1count) Possession of drug paraphernalia (1count) Maintaining a vehicle for drugs (1count) Driving with a suspended license (1count)His criminal history includes 15 felonies and 26 misdemeanors. Sheriff Grady Judd detailed the undercover trafficking operation, which ended with the arrests of three suspects and 11 pounds of fentanyl seized by detectives. 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. (Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. Crossings have increased in recent months, and conservative politicians blame the immigration policies of President Joe Biden. Polk County drug dealers busted with more than 600 He dismissed as crap any suggestion that there isnt a crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez was on hand since the criminal activity often ventured past the county border. Deputies said Lewis has a lengthy rap sheet that includes numerous drug sale and possession charges, and charges of aggravated battery, lewd and lascivious behavior against a victim between 12 and 16. Those props illustrated Judds announcement Thursday morning of what he said was the largest methamphetamine bust in the history of the Polk County Sheriffs POLK COUNTY, Fla. (CW44 News At 10) - Sheriff Grady Judd says their most recent drug bust resulted in the Large Drug Bust Made During Traffic Stop in Polk County Officials say they recovered arrested after Polk County drug bust 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. in Winter Haven. $54 million drug bust tied to Mexican cartel uncovered in FL, GA Inside the residence, authorities found 2 adult females and These drug dealers have blood on their hands. 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. Deputies are looking for a hit-and-run driver after a crash Sunday night seriously injured a 67-year-old motorcyclist in Winter Haven. 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. LAKELAND (FOX 13) - The Polk county sheriff says for almost 15 years, a cocaine dealer dodged law enforcement while living the high life. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. drug / CW44 Tampa Bay. Authorities said they executed a search warrant at Lewis home on Nov. 23. Polk County The Juarez and Sinaloa cartels are at war and often carry out public murders, Judd said. Approximately 2.4 pounds of marijuana (street value: approximately $7,000) 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. If you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000. 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. Methamphetamine destroys lives, degrades communities, and ruins families. 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. Possessing a vehicle for drug trafficking (F2) "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." 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. 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. There would not be any gang wars and fights if there wasnt a market in the United States and around the world for this stuff, Judd said. We seized 20 firearms during this investigation, including rifles, shotguns, handguns, and three stolen guns. 43-year-old Jennifer Meerswho resides at467 Allana Court, Stone Mountain, Georgia. He was charged with multiple drug-trafficking charges and was released Thursday on $119,500 bond. 32 charged in Polk County undercover drug trafficking 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. 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. The liquid methoriginated in Mexico and was smuggled across the border to Palacios, Judd said. He is being held without bond. The mastermind of the drug-trafficking network ran it from inside the United States Penitentiary Atlanta, where he is an inmate, he said. POLK COUNTY, Fla. A multi-state, joint drug trafficking investigation, has netted a seizure of more than $50 million in drugs. You think LAX has got a drug smuggling problem at the airport?". This was a very different kind of operation. 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. Trafficking in methamphetamine (F1) So what does all that mean? Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (F3) 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. 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. Please enter valid email address to continue. 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. Over the weekend, Polk County Police Officer Howard of the Uniformed Patrol Division was WebUse this page to report what appears to you as a possible violation of controlled substances laws and regulations. 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. 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 Dirty Water," involved more than a dozen law enforcement agencies in Florida and Georgia, including the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Judd emphasized the connections of the trafficking ring to the Juarez drug cartel, one of Mexicos most established crime organizations. Press Release. The two share policing of Poinciana, a city based in both counties. Will DeSantis have to resign to run for president? He said it was the largest drug sting in Polk County history, with its main operations based in Winter Haven. Two 18-year-olds were also arrested at the home for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, deputies said. Judd described a three-month operation that involved the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, other federal agencies and police departments in Florida and Georgia. Overall, the investigation seized 268 pounds of meth as well as 6.8 ounces of fentanyl and 48 firearms. 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. 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. Federal and local investigators took him down along with 18 alleged sub-dealers and buyers in the Lakeland area. Breaking news and weather alerts:Get the free 10 Tampa Bay app, Stay In the Know! Sibley said the investigation is ongoing and could yield further arrests. You can watch the full press conference below. Polk I believe that they do and they need to address it, he said. 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. ", 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. Investigators seized 1,416 pounds of crystallized and liquid meth with a street value of over $50 million. They make money off the misery of others. 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. She is currently in the Polk County Jail with no bond. The investigation began in September 2020, officials said, when detectives executed a search warrant in Winter Haven and seized a pound of methamphetamine. ". He said several of those arrested were rappers and "marketed themselves because they look cool in the community. 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.. 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. 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. Stanton is currently incarcerated in theUnited States Federal Penitentiary in Atlanta. 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. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. 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. 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.. However, the family continued to sell drugs at the home after Devontae's death, the sheriff's office said. Criminals dont know borders or boundaries.. March 22, 2023. Polk County Sheriff's Office: Winter Haven man fatally shot by officer Saturday night, 3 Polk County deputies charged with felonies related to evidence tampering, Body cameras revisited after suspect fatally shot by Winter Haven police, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. The suspects previous criminal histories, he said, include 690 previous felonies, 712 previous misdemeanors, and 194 felony convictions. Inside his backpack, they found 75 grams of fentanyl powder, 392 grams of confirmed fentanyl pills (nearly one pound), 175 grams of suspected fentanyl pills, one kilogram of methamphetamine, 75 grams of powder cocaine and 20 grams of crack cocaine. Its the truth," Judd said. Polk County drug bust arrest - FOX 5 Atlanta You can call it the Bell Gang Blues rap song.". You can also watch a report by Spectrum Bay News 9's Ashonti Ford in the video above. ( 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. 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. HSI agents and Georgia officers searched those and other locations, arresting three men and seizing 1,416 pounds of crystal and liquid meth, the release said. The sheriffs office received a call Wednesday about a young child walking alone on US Highway 190 in the Onalaska area. These drug dealers have blood on their hands. 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. Approximately 1500 pounds of methamphetamine seized (street value: approximately $53.8 million) 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.. Radinawas arrested and charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, trafficking in fentanyl, conspiracy to traffic fentanyl, sale of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia. [TRENDING: How much? Get notified on your phone in the morning with the latest forecast and news to start your day. 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.
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