More on @BN9 pic.twitter.com/regN22z8G8. HSI investigators have associated this illegal drug trafficking organization with the Juarez Mexican Cartel, a brutally violent cartel known for its targeted executions and violence. 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. 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 man in the SUVand the driver of the Kia unloaded whatever was in the trunk of the Kia into the SUV. The drugs were then transported by ground from the airport into Polk County. Breaking news and weather alerts:Get the free 10 Tampa Bay app, Stay In the Know! The suspects have been charged with a combined 355 felonies and 93 misdemeanors. 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. WINTER HAVENPolk County Sheriff Grady Judd stood beside a table piled with bags of crystal methamphetamine and a pyramid of plastic buckets. 2023 www.theledger.com. "As soon as the first sheriffs office deputies showed up, the SUV took off," Murphy said. "On one occasion, on one airline, six suitcases with this drug were smuggled into Orlando," Judd said. We will continue to follow up leads and make more arrests, so those who think they got away from us think again.. 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. Get notified on your phone in the morning with the latest forecast and news to start your day. 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. 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. Among the 85 suspects arrested, Judd singled out six that he called "ringleaders.". According to the He is being held without bond. Approximately 2,500 Xanax pills seized (street value: approximately $25,000)TOTAL STREET VALUE: $53,854,640. Detectives said three suspects told them they receive government assistance. 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. His criminal history includes 4 arrests in Georgia. The Sandy Springs Police Department arrested Meers on March 30 on a warrant from the Polk Sheriffs Office. 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. 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. WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Authorities say a two-year undercover investigation resulted in Authorities identified 55-year-old Lisa Radina as a dealer. 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. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Three days after Sibley contacted Judd's office, undercover operations were set up in Polk County. "But what did he have with him when he drove into the front of this store while impaired? 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). The 32 suspects face a total of 301 felonies and 134 misdemeanors. He was charged with multiple drug-trafficking charges and was released Thursday on $119,500 bond. Within minutes of the wiretap starting, Judd said detectives heard chatter about an unsolved homicide that the Winter Haven Police Departmentis investigating. Judd praised Sibley for leading the operation. Updated: Aug 20, 2022 / 01:55 PM CDT. Trafficking in methamphetamine (F1) The Polk Sheriffs Office heads the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, which includes local police agencies. He is currently in Fulton County Jail with a $100,000 bond. "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. 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. 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. Trafficking in methamphetamine (F1) Apr. 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. All rights reserved. Possession of Xanax with intent to sell (F3) Possession of a structure for drug trafficking (F2) POLK COUNTY, Fla. Polk County deputies are on the hunt for an Orlando man they say is the leader of a violent gang. This was a very different kind of operation. 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. 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 Darmonte Munson, 30: Sheriff's officials said a piece of luggage that was intercepted was slated for Munsons residence at514 Lake Dexter Blvd. The wiretap led to 14 search warrants in Auburndale, Davenport, Polk City, Lake Wales, Winter Havenand Riverview, as well as in Fresno, California. The sheriff said the drugs were smuggled in suitcases through domestic flights from LAX. 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.. RELATED: Stepfather of boy rescued from abuse by Orlando restaurant manager gets life sentence. Get todays headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. Palacios has also been arrested in Florida three times for driving without a license. (Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. ( NewsNation) - Florida authorities say 85 people were arrested in connection to an international drug trafficking Officials say they recovered in Winter Haven. After Meers returned to Georgia, undercover agents sought another purchase. On one occasion on one airline, six suitcases with this drug was smuggled into Orlando. 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. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says the trafficking of drugs was masterminded by a man behind bars. The sheriff also released the following statement following the press conference: Some people still call this low-level, non-violent drugs. 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According to a release from the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the drug trafficking organization also has ties with the Mexican drug cartel. 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. You know he was grooming himself as a community charitable contributor for the kids. Atlanta is the southeastern hub for meth trafficking, Judd said. He was arrested and charged with conspiracy to traffic in fentanyl, conspiracy to traffic in heroin, conspiracy to sell marijuana, armed robbery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a fictitious drivers license, felony battery, use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony, and three counts of probation violation. International drug trafficking ring busted in Polk County Ken Suarez reports. 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. Experts say that most large-scale drug smugglers useports of entry and drugs are not carried by people illegally crossing the border on foot. Deputies are looking for a hit-and-run driver after a crash Sunday night seriously injured a 67-year-old motorcyclist in Winter Haven. 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. The sheriff said investigators seized $88,000 in cash, $89,000 worth of jewelry, and $283,000 worth of narcotics in the bust. During the investigation, Judd said, detectives learned that one of his brothers died of an overdose of fentanyl and Xanax at the same house. Unlawful use of a two-way communication device (F3). 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. 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. According to the sheriff's office, he was the mastermind behind arranging the sale and delivery of 26 pounds of meth in Polk County. Inside the residence, authorities found 2 adult females and "He was the one who really put together the trips from LAX to Florida," Judd said. Grady Judd, Sheriff, Investigation Summary: Conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine (F1) Detectives found luggage containing about 35 pounds of meth in Meers truck, the PCSO said. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. 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 investigation, called "Operation He dismissed as crap any suggestion that there isnt a crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. 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. Dwayne Kenneth StackhouseSr., 39: Judd said Stackhouse was identified as a large scale cocaine supplier in Central Florida. 29A drug bust was executed at a Lebanon residence Thursday. 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. Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. She was arrested and the investigation pushed forward. Apt #202 in Lake Wales, where they found another pound of cocaine, marijuana, $13,000 cash, and a firearm, they said. 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. The investigation began in September 2020, officials said, when detectives executed a search warrant in Winter Haven and seized a pound of methamphetamine. 3.4 pounds of MDMA, also known as Ecstasy. The operation involved the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Department of Homeland Security, Haines City Police Department and law enforcement agencies from Georgia. In February 2022, detectives received a court order for a wiretap and began monitoring suspects, officials 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. POLK COUNTY, Fla. A multi-state, joint drug trafficking investigation, has netted a seizure of more than $50 million in drugs. Possession of drug paraphernalia (M1). 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. The drugs were secured and Meers was later arrested during a traffic stop where authorities say she admitted to being paid $500 a kilo by Stanton for deliveries. On March 13, 2021,43-year-old Jennifer Meers of Stone Mountain, Georgiadelivered a suitcase with 12 large clear storage bags containing 26 pounds of methamphetamine to an undercover detective at a hotel in Lakeland. Undercover agents arranged a controlled delivery of the pills to Amber Cayson, 37, at 3237 Xerxes Ave. in Winter Haven, the PCSO said. According to the Lebanon Police Department, the residence at 603 CL Manier Street has All rights reserved. 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).