In the first quarter of 2021, the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team arrested over 80 individuals with charges ranging from possession to drug trafficking, said Capt. Copyright 2021 WCJB. The victim in the shooting originally went to the home to buy some marijuana. The facilitatorthen warned the detectives about the risk of overdosing. Criminal Arrest History: DUI in 2013. I believe that if we try hard enough we can do anything, Douglas said. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Speaking from the county's . Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. LEE COUNTY, Fla. Deputies arrested six people Wednesday in the largest drug bust to ever hit Lee County. Florida authorities arrested three suspects and seized more than 11 pounds of fentanyl as part of an undercover drug trafficking bust. 2013 Ocala Post, a subsidiary of Jaguar Media Holdings, LLC. Local facilitator Ignacio Rodriguez showed up to the meeting with undercover detectives with two kilos of fentanyl hidden in a Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal box and three kilos concealed in a yellow Igloo cooler. At the time of his arrest in 1997, authorities had 250 audiotapes of wiretapped telephone conversations between Dandridge and his suppliers and distributors. OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - Agents with the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST) announced Wednesday that they have seized more than 300 marijuana plants, plus an additional 300 packaged marijuana products. All rights reserved. Others arrested were Steven J. Tara Tapia is currently receiving Federal/public assistance. [Ocala Post has included the press conference video in its entirety. As a matter of fact, theyd be calling for the sheriffs job and the police chiefs job.. Joshua Widdows is wanted for Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 14 grams, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device to Facilitate the Commission of a Crime. Maj. The Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team initiated an investigation that spanned three (3) months. Over the years, illegal drugs lots of them have been seized or discovered off Florida's shorelines. the largest drug seizures in United States history," U.S. Attorney for the . Ocala, Florida -- On June 1, 2021,, FDA: Rat meat being served as chicken in Chinese and, Have you ever wondered what rat meat would taste like? Citrus County Sheriff's Office makes biggest drug bust in county history. Thats enough people to fill this room, he said during the press conference. Market data provided by Factset. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and the Microsoft released Windows 10 update KB4549951 on April 14. Javier Flores, between 35-40 years of age and known resident of California is wanted for Engaging in a Continuing Criminal Enterprise, Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 200 grams, Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 200 grams, Unlawful Transportation of Currency $100,000 or More, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device to Facilitate the Commission of a Crime. In February, detectives intercepted a $200,170 cash delivery meant to pay for methamphetamine from a courier. Hugo Lopez Esquivel, 33, of 54 Pinetree Road Lawrenceville, Georgia is wanted for Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 200 grams, Unlawful Transportation of Currency $50,000 or More and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device to Facilitate the Commission of a Crime. Drugs, guns, and thousands of dollars were seized. Sources said the group has also been known to host illegal poker games with other associates. OCALA - In the boxing ring, when someone takes a shot to the body, it often knocks the wind out of them. of cocaine valued at over 1.5 million dollars floating in the #FloridaKeys. Sheriff Grady Judd said, when certain individuals make national TV appearances and tell the public that drug dealers are not that bad or the offences are not that serious, they are not telling the truth. Robert Douglas, who oversees the unit comprised of local, state and federal law enforcement agents. Director of UDEST, Captain Jason Douglas said he wont stop. News. A drug bust in Florida led to the seizure of enough fentanyl to kill at least 500,000 people, according to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office. "You don't get to that level without having connections; anticipate more arrests as result of spin-off organizations," Strow said. The illegal narcotics worth. Voodo Meth Flowchart [Click to enlarge or preview slide show] Polk County, Florida This investigation directly impacts Central Florida as a whole. The Polk County Sheriff's Office had received information that an international drug trafficking organization was trafficking fentanyl from Mexico to the city of Bradenton and then to Polk County. Lopez is charged with Engaging in a Continuing Criminal Enterprise, a life felony; Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 200 grams, Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 200 grams, Unlawful Transportation of Currency, $100,000 or more, first degree felony; Possession of a Place or Structure used for Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, a second degree felony. If convicted, he faces up to 105 years in prison. During a routine probation check, deputies went to the home of 33-year-old Daniel Battisti - located at 11 South Washington in Beverly Hills -- and confronted him . Many who have applied for unemployment since the "outbreak" of COVID-19 still have not received any benefits. UDEST agents went to the residence to conduct a power investigation. Kirkland has been charged with attempted murder, and a number of other drug related charges. Related story: Ocala police uncover drug operation run by father and son during shooting investigation. Pressleys name was not named in the search warrant; she was just an added bonus that happened to be present due to the fact she is in a relationship with Marcus. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. The recreational red snapper season will start June 17 in Gulf state and federal waters off Florida and remain open through July 31 with Florida -- On May 26, 2022, Gov. The uncut street value of this amount is approximately $2 million, while the total distributed value is approximately $8 million. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. (DEA). Eric Holder is calling for the review of records on individuals that are currently serving time for drug charges, and says he may want their sentences to be reduced or inmates released. Mondragon, 34, of 600 S.W. The ring had been importing cocaine and marijuana from Atlanta and Volusia County and selling the drugs here. Rodriguez showed up to the meeting in Polk County with five of the six kilograms. Rojas has prior convictions of: Assault on an Officer or Firefighter-1999. Demasco Candid Lugo, 30, of 908 Ruth Avenue, Lakeland is wanted for Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 28 grams, and Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 28 grams. 26. Published July 4, 2018. Copyright 2021 WCJB. 2023 www.ocala.com. Operation Body Shot was an initiative of the sheriff's High Intensity Drug Traffic Area and culminated an 18-month, multi-agency investigation. This all went down at two homes in Silver Springs. Joshua Widdows is currently receiving Federal/public assistance. Ocala, Florida A drug ringleader arrested in Marion Oaks yielded weapons, drugs, and a large sum of cash. Muse is being held in lieu $250,000 and Shackleford, $150,000. Police released these images from the bust. FDOC Probation Officers visited the home of Daniel Battisti, located at 11 South Washington, Beverly Hills, as part of a routine probation check. Both are in the Alachua County Jail on charges of trafficking in cocaine. Multiple law enforcement agencies collaborated in the raid of a Fort Myers auto. All rights reserved. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! This search led to the arrest of Jeffery Conner for five counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Nicole Radank, 33, of Ocala, was charged with Trafficking in Oxycodone, Possession of an Altered Firearm, Possession of Cocaine (x2), Selling Cocaine, Possession of Xanax, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Mario Alberto Castro Solache, 29, and Pedro Mondragon, 27, drove from North Carolina to Polk County on October 11 to meet with undercover detectives about another fentanyl sale. Investigators identified the organizations source of methamphetamine supply as Javier Flores, aka: El Don. Flores resides in southern California and managed large scale methamphetamine shipments to Lakeland, Florida, Atlanta, Georgia, and Las Vegas, Nevada through southern California from Mexico. As a result of an investigation that began October 2013, on Tuesday, March 18, 2014, Polk County Sheriffs Office High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Task Force detectives, along with members of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Orlando District Office, Florida Attorney Generals Office of Statewide Prosecution, and Lake County Sheriffs Office detectives, identified 25 suspects involved in an organized drug trafficking enterprise. Collectively, the street value of these illegal substances is estimated to be $970,000, the largest street value seizure in the agencys history. When there was no answer, agents approached the metal building in the back and heard voices and doors slamming inside, as well as the odor of raw marijuana. Maria Lopez Ontiveros, aka Mariana Alvear, 33, of 2322 View Way, Lakeland is being detained for deportation. He was convicted in 1997 of running a $3 million drug distribution network that featured a number of family members and his girlfriend. Mary Pressley, 23, of Ocala, was charged with Trafficking in Oxycodone and Possession of Cocaine. This may be the biggest meth bust in American history . The UDEST commander cited the recent arrest of 26-year-old Noah Steven Francis, of Summerfield, as one of the biggest his team has made. Reach out for help, he said. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); local news and culture, The #Florida @USCG Cutter Valiant took down a narco sub carrying 12k lbs of cocaine in the #EasternPacific, cutting approximately $165 mil from smuggler pockets.More info and photos here: https://t.co/mSb28nTIzF pic.twitter.com/hS5kRVtV3f, Someone was dreaming of a white ChristmasApproximately 74 lbs of cocaine was found by a fisherman about 15 miles offshore and south of Sugarloaf Key in federal waters.All packages were turned over to the U.S. Border Patrol. Francis was charged with armed trafficking in Fentanyl (over 200 grams); armed trafficking in crystal methamphetamine (over 28 grams); possession of cocaine with intent to distribute; child neglect; possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; possession of a structure for distribution of controlled substances; possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted felon; possession of drug paraphernalia and warrants for past charges of trafficking in cocaine (28 grams or more) and possession of cannabis with intent to sell, manufacture or distribute. Updated: Apr. [CDATA[ Market data provided by Factset. Castro Solache and Mondragon are charged with conspiracy to traffic in fentanyl. He was released from the Manatee County Jail on October 15 after posting a $56,500 bond. Lisa Bonugli (street nickname Methany) was also arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Rodriguez was taken into custody by the Manatee County Sheriffs Office on October 14 for trafficking in fentanyl, conspiracy to traffic in fentanyl, possession of a vehicle for drug trafficking, unlawful use of a two-way communication device and possession of drug paraphernalia. Law enforcement seize 275 marijuana plants in northeast Ocala drug bust By Staff Report September 15, 2021 Local law enforcement agencies seized 275 marijuana plants while investigating power theft at a northeast Ocala residence this week. Capone" and "one minute to pray, a second to die" on his right arm. Sheriff Judd is calling for a federal investigation into why illegals and felons that deal in millions of dollars in drugs are able to get a free ride on law abiding citizens tax dollars. Agents seized 147 grams of cocaine, valued at $7,000; 815 illegally diverted pharmaceutical drugs of various types, including Oxycodone and Hydrocodone, valued at $21,000; ten (10) grams of marijuana, valued at $100; cash totaling $39,340 ; drug paraphernalia, including cocaine and pill presses, scales, and distribution packaging materials; one (1) high-powered assault weapon; ten (10) small arms handguns (various makes, models, and calibers); a cache of ammunition (various calibers); a black 2010 Nissan Maxima; a black 2008 BMW 5-Series; a black 2010 GMC Denali; a silver 2007 Mercedes E-Series; a black 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 motorcycle; one (1) 2014 Triple Crown flatbed trailer; two (2) 2010 Sea-Doo jet skis; and seven (7) flat screen televisions (various models and sizes). During an executed search warrant, at a duplex home on NE 3rd Street in Ocala, detectives found more than six pounds of marijuana, narcotics including fentanyl, guns and other stolen items. Do you think Florida should drug test welfare recipients or prevent felons that have been convicted of alcohol or drug related offenses from receiving assistance? Local law enforcement agencies seized 275 marijuana plants while investigating power theft at a northeast Ocala residence this week. FOX 51 Gainesville. Both deputies recovered. Drugs, guns, and thousands of dollars were seized. // ]]> Ocala, Florida A drug ringleader arrested in Marion Oaks yielded weapons, drugs, and a large sum of cash. //