polk county drug bust today

He had drugs," Judd said. May 3, 2021 / 12:45 PM Judd used the news conference to make political statements. "This is the single largest seizure of drugs and arrests made in the history of Polk County during an undercover wiretap investigation. Possession of marijuana with intent to sell (F3) He is currently in Fulton County Jail with a $100,000 bond. 20 firearms seized (3 were reported as stolen) 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. 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." "But what did he have with him when he drove into the front of this store while impaired? One of the cartels is not very happy today because their folks got caught with a whole lotta drugs," Sheriff Grady Judd said. The mastermind of the drug-trafficking network ran it from inside the United States Penitentiary Atlanta, where he is an inmate, he said. 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. )], Judd said the investigation began in September 2020 when the sheriffs office received information a family in Winter Haven, identified as the Jefferson family, was smuggling large amounts of drugs into Florida from Mexico through California and then to the streets of Central Florida.. The investigation, called "Operation No Snow," focused on the illegal sale of cocaine and meth, according to the Polk County News FBI - Federal Bureau of Investigation WebUse this page to report what appears to you as a possible violation of controlled substances laws and regulations. Apt #202 in Lake Wales, where they found another pound of cocaine, marijuana, $13,000 cash, and a firearm, they said. 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. Cayson is charged with: Snitch List: Snitches, Rats, and Informants - Cop Blaster: Police The liquid methoriginated in Mexico and was smuggled across the border to Palacios, Judd said. Federal agents seized a parcel containing about 2,500 generic Xanax pills, PCSO said. Press Release. $54 million drug bust tied to Mexican cartel uncovered in FL, GA WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Authorities say a two-year undercover investigation resulted in This story was originally published on April 30, 2021 and update reflects details of arrests. Six people have been arrested, including five people in the country illegally. March 22, 2023. Submit a Tip | DEA.gov Maurice Owens, 41, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Conspiracy to purchase marijuana (1 counts) Conspiracy to purchase marijuana (11 counts) Unlawful use of two communication device (1 count), Tremaine Parker, 29, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Conspiracy to purchase marijuana (1 counts) Unlawful use of a two-way device (1 count), Letisha Kaye Pride, 46, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (1 count) Possession of marijuana with intent to sell (1 count) Possession of drug paraphernalia (1 count) Armed trafficking in cocaine over 400 grams (1 count) Maintaining a residence for drug sales (1 count) Conspiracy to traffic cocaine 28 grams or more (1 count) Conspiracy to sell/purchase cocaine (15 counts) Unlawful use of a two-way device (1 count), Uquasha Pride, 19, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Possession of heroin (1 count) Possession of drug paraphernalia (1 count), TaQuasia Primus, 22, of Winter Haven was arrested for: Child abuse (1 count) Possession of cocaine Possession of drug paraphernalia Violation of probation (2 counts), Dennis Richmond, 59, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Conspiracy to purchase cocaine (4 counts) Conspiracy to purchase cannabis (1 count) Unlawful use of a two way device (1count), Niaisia Ross, 20, of Winter Haven was arrested for: Possession of cocaine (1 count) Possession of marijuana with intent to sell (1 count) Possession of drug paraphernalia (1 count), Heidi Sutton, 39, of Frostproof was arrested for: Possession of MDMA (1 count) Possession of methamphetamine (1 count) Possession of drug paraphernalia (1 count) Maintaining a vehicle for drugs (1 count), Earl Thomas, 67, of Lake Wales was arrested for: Conspiracy to possess marijuana with intent to sell (1 count) Conspiracy to sell marijuana (3 counts) Unlawful use of two communication device (1 count). 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. Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (F3) 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. 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. The sheriff detailed one occasion where the suspects smuggled six suitcases full of drugs on a flight from LAX to Orlando. California Consumer Limit the Use of My Sensitive Personal Information, California Consumer Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The spokesperson added that TSA security officers do not search for illegal drugs, but if found during the screening process, the TSA will refer the matter to law enforcement partners. 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. 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.. ", 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. 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. If you look at our org chart there, youll notice that theres kind of three distinct groups of people, he 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. Now shes an arrested girl," Judd said. Will DeSantis have to resign to run for president? Possession of drug paraphernalia (M1). You know he was grooming himself as a community charitable contributor for the kids. But now his golf course community days are over. The sheriff said a wiretap investigation began in February 2022. He dismissed as crap any suggestion that there isnt a crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. May 3, 2021 / 12:45 PM / CW44 Tampa Bay. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. Judd emphasized the connections of the trafficking ring to the Juarez drug cartel, one of Mexicos most established crime organizations. 5 suspects arrested Ornelas-Loza is charged with theft by receiving stolen property. POLK COUNTY, Ga. (FOX 5 Atlanta) - Multiple law enforcement agencies have taken down ten people in a drug bust in Polk County. (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. Bust 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. ", "Can y'all make a rap about this?" You can watch the full press conference below. Large Drug Bust Made During Traffic Stop in Polk County. 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. Judd praised Sibley for leading the operation. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. According to the sheriff's office, he was the mastermind behind arranging the sale and delivery of 26 pounds of meth in Polk County. Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. POLK COUNTY -- A search warrant was executed at an Osceola, WI residence on February 13, 2020 by the Polk County Sheriffs Office, St. Croix Valley Drug Task Force, and Osceola Police Department, according to a probable cause report from the Polk County Sheriffs Office. The RENPHO Foot Massager Machine may be just the gift to make Mothers Day extra special for your mom this year. 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. The wiretap led to 14 search warrants in Auburndale, Davenport, Polk City, Lake Wales, Winter Havenand Riverview, as well as in Fresno, California. 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. But according to our DEA partners, 2 milligrams of fentanyl can be a deadly overdose. 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. 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. Approximately 1500 pounds of methamphetamine seized (street value: approximately $53.8 million) 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). 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. "Some people still call this low-level, non-violent drugs. WINTER HAVENPolk County Sheriff Grady Judd stood beside a table piled with bags of crystal methamphetamine and a pyramid of plastic buckets. Read More. 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 - The Polk County Sheriff's Office says their latest drug bust resulted in the largest seizure of fentanyl in the history of the agency. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Authorities identified 55-year-old Lisa Radina as a dealer. Possession of a structure for drug trafficking (F2) This was a very different kind of operation. I believe that they do, and they need to address it ASAP. 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. Lakeland drug kingpin busted 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. Officials said they served a search warrant at his Davenport address, 928 Brooklet Drive,and seized two loaded AK-47 pistols, which were out in plain view and in a home with six children. The Sandy Springs Police Department arrested Meers on March 30 on a warrant from the Polk Sheriffs Office. 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. Within minutes of the wiretap starting, Judd said detectives heard chatter about an unsolved homicide that the Winter Haven Police Departmentis investigating. Meers arrest led investigators to three labs in Georgia used to convert liquid meth into crystalized form, the PCSO said. Three for driving without a valid license and one charge for theft by receiving stolen property. The sheriff's office said the suspects' previous criminal histories include a total of 194 felony convictions. 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. Though the buckets bore the logo of Home Depot, Judd said the home-improvement chain had no role in the trafficking ring. ", 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. You can call it the Bell Gang Blues rap song.". 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. 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. Meers was on federal probation for drug trafficking at the time of her arrest. 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. 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. The operation went through California, Tennessee, and Orlando. The Sheriff's Office said Ornelas-Loza and Ornelas-Martinez are related, though their exact relationship wasn't known. Judd said that among the suspects arrested were 690 felony previous charges, and 194 previous convictions. 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. They found illegal Xanax, carisoprodol pills, and methamphetamine in his backpack. 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. "It means that 6.8 ounces of fentanyl could have killed up to 96,000 people. 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. We will continue to follow up leads and make more arrests, so those who think they got away from us think again.. Follow on Twitter @garywhite13. The primary drug trafficking broker operated from a federal prison in Georgia. "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. Apr 29, 2021 WINTER HAVEN -- Law enforcement agencies say a random shipment of pills led them to the biggest meth haul in Polk County history, and broke up a drug ring being directed from a federal penitentiary. RELATED: Stepfather of boy rescued from abuse by Orlando restaurant manager gets life sentence. 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. Conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine (F1) Meers' arrest led investigators to the location of 3 methamphetamine conversion labs in Georgia. 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. It also uncovered an illegal cockfighting ring run by Isidoro Palacios, 59, who was arrested, according to the sheriff's office. Trafficking in methamphetamine (F1) Officials say they recovered Its the truth," Judd said. 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. 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. 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. Whether its a short vacation or theyre jetting off to begin their career, show the future traveler you care with a meaningful graduation gift. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says the trafficking of drugs was masterminded by a man behind bars. 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. 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. 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. "'We got ya gold, we put ya tail in the county jail.' Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Deputies say Meers left 35 pounds of meth in her truck across the street from the landscaping company she worked for. Shes a bad girl. $54M Worth Of Drugs Seized In Polk, Largest Bust In County 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. They didnt so much as throw a pair of underwear in the suitcase to act like they were hiding the drugs. Polk County drug dealers busted with more than 600 59-year-old Isidoro Palacios was arrested at a methamphetamine lab located at5359 Stonewall Tell Road in College Park, Georgia. Mexico-to-Central Florida drug ring broken up,, The new orlandosentinel.com: FAQs and more, Mexico-to-Central Florida drug ring broken up, sheriff says, Florida makes it impossible to check voter eligibility, then pulls out handcuffs | Commentary, Mental well-being drives our ability to flourish | Commentary, Weather clears for successful SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch, High school scores and top performers from Saturday, April 29. 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. Florida bust: 85 arrested, $12.8M in drugs seized - MSN We seized 20 firearms during this investigation, including rifles, shotguns, handguns, and three stolen guns. On Sept. 13, 2020, deputies say Demarcus Jefferson crashed his sedan into a Winter Haven gas station, killing a customer inside. The 32 suspects face a total of 301 felonies and 134 misdemeanors. 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. They make money off the misery of others. They wanted to establish a conduit into the county and our undercover detectives were their new operation in Central Florida. Get notified on your phone in the morning with the latest forecast and news to start your day. 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. 32 charged in Polk County undercover drug trafficking Detectives also searched his residence at160 Serenity Blvd. The investigation began in September 2020, officials said, when detectives executed a search warrant in Winter Haven and seized a pound of methamphetamine. Drug Trafficking Investigation Yields 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 Approximately 2,500 Xanax pills seized (street value: approximately $25,000)TOTAL STREET VALUE: $53,854,640. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. After the delivery, Meers, who is on federal probation for drug trafficking, left the hotel and returned to Georgia. What are the chances of a fourth stimulus check after Biden's address to Congress? How do I keep bugs off my patio this spring? 29A drug bust was executed at a Lebanon residence Thursday. They were willing to send it here, he 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. 1 federal inmate charged 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. 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. During the investigation, authorities also seized: Sheriff's officials said the total street value of the drugs confiscated is over $12.8 million. Get todays headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. On April 20, detectives conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 27 in Davenport as Stackhouse was traveling from Orlando. 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. 2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. 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. "Operation Dirty Water" seizes over $50M worth of meth - Bay