I believe that they do, and they need to address it ASAP. First published on May 3, 2021 / 12:45 PM. Those arrested on Polk County charges are: 37-year-old Amber Caysonwho resides at3237 Xerxes Avenue NW, Winter Haven. 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. Richard Tribou is the Senior Content Editor for Audience, and Space and Cruise reporter for the Orlando Sentinel. PCSO undercover detectives conducted a controlled delivery at 3237 Xerxes Avenue NW in Winter Haven and arrested37-year-old Amber Cayson of Winter Haven. Officials say they recovered Crossings have increased in recent months, and conservative politicians blame the immigration policies of President Joe Biden. 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." 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. 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 Wednesday. They use violence as a means to enforce their trafficking business. According to the sheriff, they were taking drugs out of the trunk so deputies wouldn't find them during their crash investigation. The sheriff also released the following statement following the press conference: Some people still call this low-level, non-violent drugs. 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. Possession of drug paraphernalia (M1). Updated: Aug 20, 2022 / 01:55 PM CDT. But it does not stop there. The woman had connections to the Juarez drug cartel in Mexico, Judd said. Methamphetamine destroys lives, degrades communities, and ruins families. Judd said the the operation involved multiple agencies across the state and nation, including the Winter Haven Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, the Orlando Police Department, the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office, the Fresno, California, Police Department, the Shelby County, Tennessee, Sheriff's Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the U.S. Border Patrol andthe U.S. Department of Homeland Security, among others. The man in the SUVand the driver of the Kia unloaded whatever was in the trunk of the Kia into the SUV. One of the cartels is not very happy today because their folks got caught with a whole lotta drugs," Sheriff Grady Judd said. A search of his home turned up about a pound of marijuana and a handgun. He said it was the largest drug sting in Polk County history, with its main operations based in Winter Haven. The operation went through California, Tennessee, and Orlando. WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Authorities say a two-year undercover investigation resulted in 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 The Haines City Police Department took part in the operation, Judd said, and was represented at Thursdays news conference by Lt. Isaac Jackson. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. When undercover detectives asked about the color, McClain allegedly told them it was dyed blue "in recognition of the Democratic Party.". 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. 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. 20 firearms seized (3 were reported as stolen) 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. 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. ( NewsNation) Florida authorities say 85 people were arrested in connection to an international drug trafficking ring in Polk County. 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, Hes served three stints in prison. 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. "They didn't so much as throw a pair of underwear in the suitcase to act like they were hiding the drugs. The Polk Sheriffs Office heads the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, which includes local police agencies. ", "Can y'all make a rap about this?" 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 We seized 20 firearms during this investigation, including rifles, shotguns, handguns, and three stolen guns. 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. He dismissed as crap any suggestion that there isnt a crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. She is currently in the Polk County Jail with no bond. Shes a bad girl. You see, he was the good guy in the community, made the money, shared it with the kids. Also seized at the residence was 24 pounds of THC edibles, 2.4 pounds of marijuana, and a pound of methamphetamine. They use violence as a means to enforce their trafficking business. Judd added that not all of the drugs were destined for our area, but that members of the Juarez and Sinaloa drug cartels had expressed interest in setting up a central Florida hub for distribution. Polk County undercover detectives conducted a controlled delivery in Winter Haven, Florida, and arrested 37-year-old Amber Cayson, deputies say. Inside the residence, authorities found 2 adult females and 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 2023 www.theledger.com. 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 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. 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. POLK COUNTY, Fla. (CW44 News At 10) - Sheriff Grady Judd says their most recent drug bust resulted in the 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. 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. Among the 85 suspects arrested, Judd singled out six that he called "ringleaders.". Judd said the investigation is ongoing and there were suspects the Sheriff's Office was still looking for. Because of his leadership and his eagerness to help us with this operation and because we partnered across city, state and federal lines, this is how this happens, Judd said, because this is an international drug-smuggling operation that came all the way down to your child in Polk County, Florida.. On one occasion on one airline, six suitcases with this drug was smuggled into Orlando. Detectives also However, the family continued to sell drugs at the home after Devontae's death, the sheriff's office said. POLK COUNTY, Fla. A multi-state, joint drug trafficking investigation, has netted a seizure of more than $50 million in drugs. 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. "'We got ya gold, we put ya tail in the county jail.' You can also watch a report by Spectrum Bay News 9's Ashonti Ford in the video above. 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. Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (F3) Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. 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. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. March 22, 2023. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd speaks with reporters on Thursday, April 29. More on @BN9 pic.twitter.com/regN22z8G8. The investigation, called "Operation His current sentence runs through 2040. If you look at our org chart there, youll notice that theres kind of three distinct groups of people, he said. It also uncovered an illegal cockfighting ring run by Isidoro Palacios, 59, who was arrested, according to the sheriff's office. Grady Judd, Sheriff, Investigation Summary: 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. Sheriff Grady Judd detailed the undercover trafficking operation, which ended with the arrests of three suspects and 11 pounds of fentanyl seized by detectives. After Meers returned to Georgia, undercover agents sought another purchase. The sheriff detailed one occasion where the suspects smuggled six suitcases full of drugs on a flight from LAX to Orlando. 30-year-old Crescencio Ornelas-Lozawho resides inFairburn, Georgiawas arrested by the Henry County Police Department. "As soon as the first sheriffs office deputies showed up, the SUV took off," Murphy said. Sibley said the investigation is ongoing and could yield further arrests. ", 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. According to the Please enter valid email address to continue. Sheriff's officials said they arrested his partner, Vicente Carranza-Basanta, the same day. During the investigation, authorities also seized: Sheriff's officials said the total street value of the drugs confiscated is over $12.8 million. Detectives found luggage containing about 35 pounds of meth in Meers truck, the PCSO said. Correction: An earlier version of this article misidentified the location of the suspects home base. 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. Within minutes of the wiretap starting, Judd said detectives heard chatter about an unsolved homicide that the Winter Haven Police Departmentis investigating. Investigators also seized 20 guns, three of which were reported as stolen, the release said. 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. The RENPHO Foot Massager Machine may be just the gift to make Mothers Day extra special for your mom this year. You know he was grooming himself as a community charitable contributor for the kids. 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 "Two milligrams of fentanyl can be a deadly overdose," Judd said. POLK COUNTY, Fla. A multi-state, joint drug trafficking investigation, has netted a seizure of more than $50 million in drugs. 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. (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. He was charged with multiple drug-trafficking charges and was released Thursday on $119,500 bond. 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. / CW44 Tampa Bay. 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. 37-year-old Brian Stantonis currently incarcerated in theAtlanta US Penitentiary, Georgia. You can watch the full press conference below. Judd asked as he donned a large gold chain, one of the pieces of jewelry seized in the investigation. In all, agents ended up seizing nine pounds of meth, three ounces of heroin, 18 guns and 18 prescription pills. 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. The drugs were then transported by ground from the airport into Polk County. 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. 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. Its in Winter Haven. 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. Possessing a vehicle for drug trafficking (F2) Three days after Sibley contacted Judd's office, undercover operations were set up in Polk County. 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 Palacios has also been arrested in Florida three times for driving without a license. Illegal drugs destroy lives and families, and generate theft and violence in our community, and drug traffickers are profiting from the destruction. "He was the one who really put together the trips from LAX to Florida," Judd said. in Winter Haven. 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. 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. 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. In addition to the arrests, three warrants were issued, the sheriffs office said. "But what did he have with him when he drove into the front of this store while impaired? The 32 suspects face a total of 301 felonies and 134 misdemeanors. He had drugs," Judd said. Possession of marijuana resin (edibles) (F3) 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. They make money off the misery of others. 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. 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. Over the weekend, Polk County Police Officer Howard of the Uniformed Patrol Division was Detectives also searched his residence at160 Serenity Blvd. Trafficking in methamphetamine (F1) Download our app. Florida officials announced the arrests on Oct. 22. The investigation resulted in the arrest of 85 suspects charged with a total of 355 felonies and 93 misdemeanors. This is not a horrible fairy tale. 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. 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. They wanted to establish a conduit into the county and our undercover detectives were their new operation in Central Florida. Possession of a structure for drug trafficking (F2) 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. POLK COUNTY, Ga. (FOX 5 Atlanta) - Multiple law enforcement agencies have taken down ten people in a drug bust in Polk County. During the investigation, Judd said, detectives learned that one of his brothers died of an overdose of fentanyl and Xanax at the same house. Get todays headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. 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. According to the sheriff's office, he was the mastermind behind arranging the sale and delivery of 26 pounds of meth in Polk County. FORT MEADE, Fla. - Nearly two dozen people face charges in an undercover drug operation that was a direct response to calls and concerns from the Fort Meade community, officials announced Wednesday. Approximately 24.8 pounds of THC edibles seized (street value: approximately $8,480) He lives in Riverview, but undercover detectives purchased drugs from him in Winter Haven, officials said. 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. RELATED: Stepfather of boy rescued from abuse by Orlando restaurant manager gets life sentence. Drug Trafficking Investigation Yields 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. We seized 20 firearms during this investigation, including rifles, shotguns, handguns, and three stolen guns. One of the suspects, 34-year-old James McClain, reportedly sold methamphetamine that was dyed blue. Home; Mugshots; Crime News; Contact; The suspects have been charged with a combined 355 felonies and 93 misdemeanors. According to a release from the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the drug trafficking organization also has ties with the Mexican drug cartel. 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. Over two dozen were arrested following an undercover drug sting by the Polk County Sheriffs Office. Conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine (F1) 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. 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.

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