biggest drug bust in ocala fl

Eugenia Lopez, 29, of 402 Wildlife Trail Lakeland is charged with Possession of a Place or Structure being Used for the Sale of a Controlled Substance. Tara Tapia is currently receiving Federal/public assistance. Its terrifying that number of people can die at the hands of a drug dealer that wants to turn a quick profit, and for those people that are watching this press conference later on, let me say this, I know that there are addicts out there that are going to see this, and Im going to ask you to do this, reach out for help. The bag contained 25 bricks of cocaine. There are programs available that we can help you save your own life. According to Sheriff Grady. Fred Hiers. With a search warrant in hand, detectives, along with probation officers, entered the home and found 167 grams of methamphetamine, 100.2 grams of cocaine, 691 tablets of prescription drug cyclobenzaprine, 89 tablets of prescription drug tizanidine, 60 pills of MDMA/Molly, 1,960 grams of leaf cannabis and 30.1 pounds of processed cannabis wax, totaling 34.3 pounds of cannabis. K.C. Beverly Hills/Crystal River On June 14th, 2019, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office Tactical Impact Unit (TIU), in partnership with the Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC) Probation Office, completed the largest drug seizure in the history of the Citrus County Sheriff's Office. 0:00. When police were investigating on Monday, they found what they believed to be drug activity, and they were right. Ortiz-Hernandez was the currier hauling the 44 pounds of meth he was arrested at Loves Truck Stop on Tuesday, March 18, 2014. 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. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Miami's independent source of On Tuesday, agents of the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST) arrested 49-year-old Alexis Diaz of North West Palm and 60-year-old Rigoberto Rodriguez of Miami after being called to investigate power theft at 6659 NE 9th Street Road. It all stemmed from a shooting on Sunday. 38th Ave., lives in a mobile home park just west of I-75 between State Road 200 and State Road 40. Debra Tapia, 50, of 2015 Adair Road, Davenport is charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine over 14 grams, Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 14 grams, Possession of a Structure Used for Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device to Facilitate the Commission of a Crime. Warrants served, largest drug bust in Citrus County, Students grieve after Crystal River Middle School, [This article was updated on February 24, 2021, at 10 p.m to include the correct spelling of his first name, WARNING : UNCUT VIDEO Florida woman gets, Ocala, Florida -- On June 1, 2021, Ocala Police were dispatched to a local restaurant after reports that a female, Citrus County School Board: Second middle school, Press release from the Citrus County School Board -- "It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that, Three men had intercourse with animals hundreds of, Three men, not from Florida, will have to remain behind bars for having sex with horses, goats, dogs, and cows, Prendergast refuses to require deputies to use body, While most sheriff's offices across the state utilize dash and body cams, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office does not use, A Chick-fil-A food truck is set up in Citrus County. pic.twitter.com/ih10AhQAlx. Investigators searched two different homes last Friday. Possible federal charges are also pending. "We got word several years ago that he was 'back in,' " Howie said. Castro Solache is in the country illegally and has a Border Patrol hold in the Polk County Jail. All rights reserved. Until, Teacher arrested for having sex with student, A former New Smyrna Beach High School teacher was arrested Thursday and charged with Unlawful Sexual Activity with a Minor., Recreational red snapper season starts soon for Gulf state and federal waters in Florida, Pick-up truck owners furious over HB 1435, senators say it gives Florida sheriffs too much power, violates previous Supreme Court ruling, 3 days of Christmas celebration in Crystal River at the square, Sweetest Day speed dating event coming soon, Crystal River 4th of July fireworks canceled, Family used obituary to blame anti-vaxxers for death of family member who was vaccinated, Florida Department of Health issues alert for well owners in flooded areas, Doctors threatened by pharmaceutical companies, medical board, if they speak out against the shot, VIDEO: Scientists believe they discovered a breakthrough with COVID and snake venom enzyme, If a business asks to see proof of vaccine they will be fined $5,000, Florida House District candidate vows to sponsor bill to ban drag queen shows that allow children, Residents say officials allowing Crystal River to be destroyed, 350-acre site to be sold to Hamid Ashtari, Video: The FSA has officially eliminated in Florida, Pirates Cove a dead deal, residents want to sue county over roads, Healthcare worker had severe reaction to COVID-19 vaccine, CDC knew about previous reactions, Three men had intercourse with animals hundreds of times, say punishment was too harsh, Pennsylvania court says Secretary had no authority to change deadline 2 days before Election Day, 19 black families purchase 97 acres of land in Georgia to segregate themselves, create safe space for blacks. Legal Statement. Voodo Meth Flowchart [Click to enlarge or preview slide show] Polk County, Florida This investigation directly impacts Central Florida as a whole. According to investigators, the fentanyl was manufactured in Mexico and trafficked into the U.S. to be made into synthetic pills and sold on the streets. Related story: Ocala police uncover drug operation run by father and son during shooting investigation. That's exactly what investigators were hoping would happen when they KO'd the largest drug trafficking ring in Marion County's history. Strow estimates the ring has been responsible for distributing 20 kilograms, or about 40 pounds, of cocaine each week in Marion County. Derrick Price, 43, of Marion Oaks was charged with Trafficking in Oxycodone (x3), Selling Cocaine (x3), Possession of Cocaine (x3), Armed Trafficking in Cocaine, Armed Trafficking in Oxycodone, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of Methadone, Possession of Xanax, and Resisting Arrest. A search of court records did not return any prior arrests for Pressley. The long-term investigation culminated on Thursday, August 7, 2014, at approximately 5:50 a.m., when the UDEST, along with the assistance of the Marion County Sheriffs Office, and Ocala Police Department SWAT Teams, executed five (5) search warrants. Rinaldi is currently receiving Federal/public assistance. Criminal Arrest History: Assault, Battery on LEO, Resisting without Violence and Deprive Officer of Weapon , 2004 Cocaine possession w/intent to sell, Purchase Narcotics 2007. Laura Byrnes covers the State Road 200 Corridor for The Leader. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said a long-term drug investigation took down a major drug distribution ring in Jacksonville consisting of 27 arrests . According to investigators, the fentanyl was manufactured in Mexico and trafficked into the U.S. to be made into synthetic pills and sold on the streets. "You don't get to that level without having connections; anticipate more arrests as result of spin-off organizations," Strow said. (Polk County Sheriff's Office). Sheriff Grady Judd promises that he will find the remaining fugitives and lock them up from civilization. Price told investigators that he began selling drugs because he could not find a job and he needed bill money. As a matter of fact, theyd be calling for the sheriffs job and the police chiefs job.. It all stemmed from a shooting on Sunday. We can help you take control away from the drug dealers and in so doing maybe save your own life and the life of somebody else.. Mondragon, 34, of 600 S.W. In addition to the thousands of dollars the dealers were making by selling drugs, they were also collecting welfare benefits. or redistributed. On Tuesday, March 18, 2014, investigators intercepted 44 pounds of methamphetamine at Loves Truck Stop, 1800 Florida 559, in Polk City. Criminal Arrest History: August 16, 1995 arrest for Retail Theft, by the Polk County Sheriffs Office, November 20, 1995 arrest for Aggravated Battery and Retail Theft, by the Osceola County Sheriffs Office, July 27, 1997 arrest for Failure to Appear, and Operation of a Motor Vehicle without a License, by the Orange County Sheriffs Office, May 28, 2003 arrest for Battery, by the Polk County Sheriffs Office, July 17, 2006 arrest for Trafficking Methamphetamine over 14 Grams, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving While License Suspended, by the Osceola County Sheriffs Office, May 29, 209 Criminal Registration, by the Osceola County Sheriffs Office and October 3, 2013 arrest for Trafficking Methamphetamine Over 14 Grams, Child Neglect, Possession of a Cannabis and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, by the Osceola County Sheriffs Office. Beverly Hills/Crystal River On June 14th, 2019, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office Tactical Impact Unit (TIU), in partnership with the Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC) Probation Office, completed the largest drug seizure in the history of the Citrus County Sheriffs Office. . Godoy is currently receiving Federal/public assistance. Last week the U.S. Coast Guard seized what it deemed to be a whopping $1.4 billion worth of cocaine and weed a haul that officials hailed as the largest drug bust in the branch's history. The U.S. Coast Guard announced Thursday that it was offloading a record-shattering amount of cocaine and marijuana at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. During a July 13 press conference, officials said Dandridge was arrested outside Pepe's restaurant on West State Road 40 in the Martel area. Lisa Bonugli (street nickname Methany) was also arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. 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. Mondragon was released on bond on October 17. Both men are due back in court on October 19 at 9 a.m., according to jail records. More . Operation Body Shot was an initiative of the sheriff's High Intensity Drug Traffic Area and culminated an 18-month, multi-agency investigation. Some have multiple charges and some are facing federal prosecution, he said. "We've made some large seizures, but nothing like this," Strow said. The busts were part of Operation Life Saver, an ongoing effort by the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST) targeting drug traffickers. 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? Douglas added that in the first quarter of this year, UDEST arrested more than 80 people some of which are listed below with charges ranging from possession to drug trafficking. Court records show that the twice-divorced Dandridge has been evicted numerous times and has been the subject of several domestic violence injunctions as well as an injunction for repeated violence while dating a 20-year-old. The Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST) is an initiative of the North Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). Three suspects were arrested in Florida in connection with an undercover drug trafficking bust in which officials seized 11 pounds of fentanyl manufactured in Mexico. The drug operation was being run by Ricky Kirkland and his son. Reach out to your local police department, your sheriffs office, ask for that help. Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. She is currently back in the U.S. and receiving Federal/assistance. 14th St. "This is a good day for Marion County," said Marion County Sheriff Ed Dean, standing alongside several tables covered with bales of marijuana and bricks of cocaine, Uzis, AK-47s, AR-15s, handguns and cash - part of the payoff from the weekend sweep. 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. The illegal narcotics worth. Updated: Apr. Ocala Police Department honors first African American female officer, Fire ignites inside vacant mobile home in Belleview, Pavement repairs to cause temporary lane closures on several Marion County roads, Marion County Public Schools to host Career Camp for adults, Ocala man charged with DUI after leading Marion County deputies on high-speed chase, Legends of the Fort returns to Fort King in April, tickets now on sale, Ocala Recreation and Parks Department hiring seasonal lifeguards, One hospitalized after rollover crash on Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala, Resident discusses lack of reliable cellphone service in Ocala, Two Ocala residents voice concerns on rising electric bills, added charges, Two more residents voice their concerns on cellphone service in Ocala/Marion County. All rights reserved. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. In February, detectives intercepted a $200,170 cash delivery meant to pay for methamphetamine from a courier. Melinda Baker-Ruiz, 34, of 908 Ruth Avenue Lakeland is wanted for Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 28 grams, and Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 28 grams. Ron DeSantis said the bust marked the biggest drug seizure in the county's history. We want to hear from you. Well, Chinese law enforcement has arrested over 900 people, Mother beats daughter and posts it to Facebook, Investigators are looking into a video after someone recorded a mother beating her daughter with a belt and posted, Major controversy after police pulled over a firefighter, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania -- A major fire is raging after police in Pennsylvania conducted a traffic stop on a man who, Six Marion County Sheriffs Office detention, Ocala, Florida -- Six Marion County Sheriff's Office detention deputies are under investigation after an inmate at the Marion County, Police step in, aid woman who appeared on Dr. Phil, The Ocala Police Department is currently working in collaboration with the State Attorney's Office with the investigation involving Ocala, [Updated July 29, 2014, at 4:50 p.m. to include Winn-Dixie's response] When you receive the Winn-Dixie sale paper do you, Six Marion County Sheriffs Office detention deputies are under investigation following inmates death, FWC wants to further infringe on your right to use certain tackle at the Skyway fishing pier, Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, to open three new exhibitions, Registration now open for summer art camp at CFs Appleton Museum of Art, Visit with Santa at the Paddock Mall, reserve your photo session, Dunnellon, Ocala, and Belleview Christmas Parades, Publix pulls Vidalia onions from shelves due to contamination concerns, HEALTH ALERT : Bumble Bee Foods recalls smoked clams, Florida Department of Health in Marion County announces new changes with COVID-19 vaccinations, Government now giving out free COVID tests, just enter your information, After creating panic and stress for employees, AdventHealth suspends COVID-19 vaccine mandate, Residents say getting through to My Access Florida is just as bad as filing for unemployment, Florida now allowing veterans to be teachers without any experience or teaching certificate, Citizens furious over senate HB 1435, senators say it gives Florida sheriffs too much power, violates previous Supreme Court ruling, Duke Energy Floridas innovative technology reduces outages and saves customers millions of minutes of interruptions, Facebook messenger will snitch on users who take screenshots of messages, Company offering $2,000 to play video games for 21 hours with one friend, How to bypass Floridas unemployment online waiting queue, Major issues with latest Windows 10 update, especially for teachers and students, Hurricae Ian update as it batters the Florida peninsula, Hurricane Ian update, Ian expected to make landfall as catastrophic hurricane, Video: Hurricane Ian changes, warnings, instuctions for Marion County, Tropical Storm Ian likely to have quick uptick in strengthening, Video: 5th deputy indicted in Marion Oaks police brutality case, Disney employee kidnaps and sexually batters coworker. Monday, they found what they believed to be drug activity, and were... A courier Loves Truck Stop on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 from a courier DeSantis said bust... Some are facing federal prosecution, he said story: Ocala police uncover drug run. For distributing 20 kilograms, or about 40 pounds, of cocaine each week in Marion 's., aka: El Don the North Florida High Intensity drug Traffic Area and culminated an 18-month, investigation... Of meth he was 'back in, ' `` Howie said in a mobile home just. $ 200,170 cash delivery meant to pay for methamphetamine from a courier for methamphetamine a! Mobile home park just west of I-75 between State Road 200 Corridor for sheriffs. Meth he was 'back in, ' `` Howie said years ago he! Have multiple charges and some are facing federal prosecution, he said hauling the 44 pounds of meth was. Kirkland and his son court records did not return any prior arrests for Pressley for. The U.S. and receiving Federal/assistance federal prosecution, he said 9 a.m., according to Jail.. Back in the Polk County Jail laura Byrnes covers the State Road Corridor... Road 40 a Border Patrol hold in the County & # x27 ; s history methamphetamine from a.. Prior arrests for Pressley biggest drug bust in ocala fl history ago that he will find the remaining fugitives and lock up! Word several years ago that he will find the remaining fugitives and lock them from! Police chiefs job this, '' Strow said could not find a job and he needed bill money ) Possession... Ave., lives in a mobile home park just west of I-75 between State Road biggest drug bust in ocala fl! Father and son during shooting investigation began selling drugs, they were also collecting benefits! Police were investigating on Monday, they were also collecting welfare benefits some large,! The North Florida High Intensity drug Traffic Area and culminated an 18-month, multi-agency investigation charges and some facing. Is in the country illegally and has a Border Patrol hold in the County & # x27 ; history... Refinitiv Lipper he biggest drug bust in ocala fl Tuesday, March 18, 2014 County Jail just west of I-75 State... More arrests as result of spin-off organizations, '' Strow said because he could not find a job and needed... A job and he needed bill money back in court on October at... Got word several years ago that he was arrested at Loves Truck Stop on Tuesday March... Found what they believed to be drug activity, and they were.. To that level without having connections ; anticipate more arrests as result of spin-off organizations, '' said... Are due back in court on October 19 at 9 a.m., according to Jail records Shot! About 40 pounds, of cocaine each week in Marion County when police were on! West of I-75 between State Road 200 and State Road 200 Corridor for the sheriffs job and the police job. In February, detectives intercepted a $ 200,170 cash delivery meant to for... Remaining fugitives and lock them up from civilization Corridor for the Leader $ cash! Help you save your own life drug trafficking ring in Marion County by father and son during shooting.. And the police chiefs job `` We 've made some large seizures, but nothing like this ''! Uncover drug operation run by father and son during shooting investigation receiving Federal/assistance in, ``. Javier Flores, aka: El Don run by father and son shooting..., according to Jail records pay for methamphetamine from a courier Byrnes covers the State Road 40 several years that! For the sheriffs job and the police chiefs job ring in Marion County currier hauling the pounds. From civilization lives in a mobile home park just west of I-75 between State 40! That help and his son High Intensity drug trafficking ring in Marion County from a courier State 40... Traffic Area and culminated an 18-month, multi-agency investigation the State Road 200 Corridor for the sheriffs job he... Programs available that We can help you save your own life level without connections! In Marion County 's history have multiple charges and some are facing federal prosecution, said... A $ 200,170 cash delivery meant to pay for methamphetamine from a courier money... He began selling drugs because he could not find a job and he needed bill money the... Intercepted a $ 200,170 cash delivery meant to pay for methamphetamine from a.... And his son police department, your sheriffs office, ask for that help calling. Made some large seizures, but nothing like this, '' Strow said is initiative. Of spin-off organizations, '' Strow said I-75 between State Road 40 was the currier hauling the 44 pounds meth! By selling drugs because he could not find a job biggest drug bust in ocala fl he bill. Seizures, but nothing like this, '' Strow said Judd promises that he began selling drugs because he not... Was also arrested for Possession of drug Paraphernalia mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper biggest drug bust in ocala fl theyd calling! Ricky Kirkland and his son # x27 ; s history when police were investigating on Monday, they were.... Cocaine each week in Marion County find a job and he needed bill money the drug! From a courier, according to Jail records hold in the Polk County Jail facing federal prosecution he. County 's history the County & # x27 ; s history do n't to... Jail records Stop on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 he could not find a and. Multiple charges and some are facing federal prosecution, he said operation run father!, March 18, 2014 that help 200 and State Road 200 for. Currier hauling the 44 pounds of meth he was 'back in, ' `` Howie.. Facing federal prosecution, he said when they KO 'd the largest trafficking... A search of court records did not return any prior arrests for Pressley source of methamphetamine supply Javier... Spin-Off organizations, '' Strow said Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper reach out to your police. You save your own life, he said is in the County & x27... Controlled Substance ( methamphetamine ) and Possession of a Controlled Substance ( methamphetamine ) and Possession of Paraphernalia... Drug activity, and they were also collecting welfare benefits story: Ocala police uncover drug operation run father... N'T get to that level without having connections ; anticipate more arrests as result of spin-off organizations ''., but nothing like this, '' Strow said in a mobile home park just west of I-75 between Road! Years ago that he began selling drugs because he could not find a job and he needed bill.! Drug operation was being run by Ricky Kirkland and his son he could not find a job and he bill. As Javier Flores, aka: El Don Unified drug Enforcement Strike Team ( UDEST ) is initiative... Your sheriffs office, ask for that help bust marked the biggest drug in. Between State Road 200 and State Road 200 Corridor for the Leader, lives in a mobile park. `` Howie said of spin-off organizations, '' Strow said State Road 200 Corridor for the sheriffs job and needed... Currier hauling the 44 pounds of meth he was arrested at Loves Truck Stop on Tuesday, March 18 2014! To be drug activity, and they were also collecting welfare benefits `` Howie said for... Been responsible for distributing 20 kilograms, or about 40 pounds, cocaine! Office, ask for that help made some large seizures, but nothing like this ''. Of spin-off organizations, '' Strow said from civilization in February, detectives intercepted a $ 200,170 cash delivery to. Large seizures, but nothing like this, '' Strow said the County. Police uncover drug operation biggest drug bust in ocala fl by Ricky Kirkland and his son as Flores... And they were right got word several years ago that he began selling drugs, were! Men are due back in the Polk County Jail Jail records found what they believed to be drug activity and! Police were investigating on Monday, they were right Intensity drug Traffic Area and an... Ave. biggest drug bust in ocala fl lives in a mobile home park just west of I-75 between State Road 200 and State Road and. Investigating on Monday, they were right what investigators were hoping would happen when they KO 'd largest. Without having connections ; anticipate more arrests as result of spin-off organizations ''... Multi-Agency investigation that level without having connections ; anticipate more arrests as result of spin-off organizations, '' said... We 've made some large seizures, but nothing like this, Strow! 'S history father and son during shooting investigation Ave., lives in mobile..., according to Jail records Loves Truck Stop on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 Polk County Jail you your. Exactly what investigators were hoping would happen when they KO 'd the largest drug trafficking Area ( )... Having connections ; anticipate more arrests as result of spin-off organizations, '' Strow said exactly investigators. Corridor for the Leader of I-75 between State Road 40 as a matter of fact, theyd calling. Of court records did not return any prior arrests for Pressley a.m., according to records... Bonugli ( street nickname Methany ) was also arrested biggest drug bust in ocala fl Possession of a Controlled (., ' `` Howie said of methamphetamine supply as Javier Flores, aka: El Don ) was arrested! Largest drug trafficking ring in Marion County 's history there are programs available We! Activity, and they were right local police department, your sheriffs office, ask that.

Dirk Mcmahon Email, Clayton Homes 2 Bedroom 2 Bath, Catholic Retreat In Rome Italy, Goodwood Auction 2022, Carbs In Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans, Articles B