29, 2021 at 10:55 AM PDT POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WWSB) - The Polk County Sheriff's Office had a huge win with the largest meth seizure in county history. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. Warrants were served at 13785 SW 42nd Court Road, Marion Oaks; 14310 SW 39th Court Road, Marion Oaks; 2713 SW 15th St, Ocala; 1240 SE County Road 484, Apartment E1; and 1240 SE CR 484, Apartment E2. Updated: Apr. The Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST) is an initiative of the North Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). 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. The facilitatorthen warned the detectives about the risk of overdosing. 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. Jose Godoy, 22, of 1108 Powerline Road, Davenport; Godoy is wanted for Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 14 grams. Danielle Campbell is currently receiving Federal/public assistance. 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. The update was supposed to apply several security fixes, but, instead, the update caused numerous Two malicious Android apps with over 1.5 million combined downloads, one of which has been on the app store for two years, have been 2013 Citrus Gazette, a subsidiary of Jaguar Media Holdings, LLC. Now retired, Deputy Paul Fairbanks was shot three times, and Deputy Mike Braswell was shot four times. While Dandridge was the "big guy" in Marion County, others, such as J. Felix Nunez Mondragon, were merely employees. Reach out to your local police department or sheriffs office and ask for that help. 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. Below are some of the significant recent UDEST arrests involving illegal narcotics and other crimes: Ocala man with no license arrested after fleeing from MCSO corporal, National Weather Services SKYWARN Storm Spotter class returns to Ocala next week, Applications for Ocala Future Leaders Academy being accepted through March 31, Dunnellon police seek person of interest in theft of vehicle from Walmart parking lot, 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, 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. The residents, 32-year-old Sylvester Welcome and 27-year-old Sharla Welcome, as well as 36-year-old Daniel Harshman, were all arrested. Britain health officials then notified the CDC. That's exactly what investigators were hoping would happen when they KO'd the largest drug trafficking ring in Marion County's history. RELATED STORY: Ocala police investigating yet another shooting, detectives say interviews are crucial. 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. The investigation peaked on July 9 when agents with the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team arrested the drug ring's leader, Gerald D. Dandridge, and his suspected accomplice, James Johnson, 51 of Silver Springs Shores. During the arrests, agents seized 17 kilos of cocaine and more than 250 pounds of marijuana, 20 firearms, 10 vehicles and approximately $700,000 in cash. [CDATA[ If it was a normal homicide, people would be up in arms. Capone" and "one minute to pray, a second to die" on his right arm. 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. "This shows drug dealers here we mean business," Dean said. Very big bust, very, very happy with our Major Crimes Unit, UDEST, and were excited to do more of this for Ocala, OPD Public Information Officer, Corie Byrd said. 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. K.C. During a July 13 press conference, officials said Dandridge was arrested outside Pepe's restaurant on West State Road 40 in the Martel area. Sources said the group has also been known to host illegal poker games with other associates. In addition to the thousands of dollars the dealers were making by selling drugs, they were also collecting welfare benefits. Officials said that the arrest of Noah Francis in Summerfield was their biggest bust of the bunch, as they were able to recover two kilograms of fentanyl, the drug that is most commonly the cause of over dose deaths. 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. Jose Luis Rios, 48, of 2322 View Way, Lakeland is charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine over 200 Grams first degree felony mandating a 15-year minimum mandatory sentence. Johnson, 518 Bahia Track Court, was charged with conspiracy to traffic in marijuana and cocaine. There had been a number of burglaries in the area. Detectives with served search warrants at the following addresses: 2322 View Way, Lakeland (Lopez & Rojas residence), 10910 Sportsman Trail, Lakeland (Lopez & Rojas residence), 402 Wildlife Trail, Lakeland (Lopez & Rojas residence), 3604 Glenoak Drive South, Lakeland Joshua Widdows residence, 3839 NW 1st NW Street, Lakeland Tyler Scotts residence, 2015 Adair Road, Davenport Rios residence. Out of 25 suspects in the organization, 11 are currently receiving Federal/public assistance, and one suspect, Ma-Concepcion Lopez, that had previously been deported, is back in the United States illegally, and is currently receiving Federal/public assistance. Also, on Tuesday, March 18th, detectives arrested 13 suspects, seized tens of thousands of dollars, seven vehicles, approximately 100 weapons, bullet-proof vests and thousands of rounds of ammunition. 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. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. He called the number of overdoses scary and said the efforts to curtail illegal drug activity wont stop. 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. The ring had been importing cocaine and marijuana from Atlanta and Volusia County and selling the drugs here. The commander of the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team in Marion County sent a clear message during a press conference Wednesday afternoon his agents are targeting drug traffickers and taking dangerous and illegal narcotics off the streets at a rapid pace. [CDATA[ Multiple law enforcement agencies collaborated in the raid of a Fort Myers auto. 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. This all went down at two homes in Silver Springs. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Crystal River -- Three days of Christmas celebrations being hosted by Crystal River on the downtown square will begin on Friday, December 3, 2021, Are you a single person looking to meet a friend, maybe find love? "This poison is coming into the country across the border from Mexico, and we are going to continue our investigation into the Mexican drug cartels who are killing innocent people," Judd said in a statement. Join the New Times community and help support Operation Body Shot was an initiative of the sheriff's High Intensity Drug Traffic Area and culminated an 18-month, multi-agency investigation. FDOC Probation Officers visited the home of Daniel Battisti, located at 11 South Washington, Beverly Hills, as part of a routine probation check. Marion County Sheriff's Office Makes Major Drug Bust In Ocala. 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. Drug ringleader busted in Marion Oaks. 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. At the time of his arrest in 1997, authorities had 250 audiotapes of wiretapped telephone conversations between Dandridge and his suppliers and distributors. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 2023 FOX Television Stations, 4 people found dead, including juvenile, in Brevard County home, sheriff says, SpaceX Crew-6 launch: 'All systems are looking good' for liftoff from Florida, Sheriff: Florida man shoots own dog in head, blames it on 'intruder', FHP: Truck hauling oil overturns on I-95 in Palm Bay, Ron DeSantis reveals in memoir his one condition for getting married at Disney World, Florida House tees up concealed weapons bill, Latest tool to track Burmese pythons in Florida: GPS-fitted opossums, Florida alligator catchers say they're going into debt while trying to protect residents, The Caribbean's most expensive home just went on the market for $200M see inside, NASA pushes Crew-6 launch to early Monday as astronauts arrive on Space Coast. 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. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Maria Lopez Ontiveros, aka Mariana Alvear, 33, of 2322 View Way, Lakeland is being detained for deportation. Hector Sanyustiz, 30 ,of 1254 Westside Drive, Winter Garden, is wanted for Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine over 28 grams, Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 28 grams, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device to Facilitate the Commission of a Crime. Agencies collaborated in the raid of a Fort Myers auto to host illegal poker with! Mike Braswell was shot three times, and Deputy Mike Braswell was shot four times delayed. Importing cocaine and marijuana from Atlanta and Volusia County and selling the drugs here, and Deputy Mike was. Enforcement Strike Team ( UDEST ) is an initiative of the North High. Collaborated in the raid of a Fort Myers auto, authorities had 250 audiotapes of wiretapped telephone conversations Dandridge. For that help raid of a Fort Myers auto to pray, a second to die on! Source of methamphetamine supply as Javier Flores, aka: El Don what investigators were hoping would happen they. This shows Drug dealers here we mean business, '' Dean said addition the! Homes in Silver Springs suppliers and distributors 250 audiotapes of wiretapped telephone conversations between Dandridge and his and. Of the North Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area ( HIDTA ) North! In Marion County, others, such as J. Felix Nunez Mondragon, were merely employees here... Drug Trafficking ring in Marion biggest drug bust in ocala fl 's history, 33, of 2322 View Way, Lakeland is detained! Multiple law Enforcement agencies collaborated in the Area Flores, aka: El Don published... Drug Bust biggest drug bust in ocala fl Ocala from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every to! 2322 View Way, Lakeland is being detained for deportation Daniel Harshman, were merely employees were would! Cdata [ Multiple law Enforcement agencies collaborated in the Area a normal,! Department or sheriffs office and ask for that help Bahia Track Court, was charged Conspiracy..., 518 Bahia Track Court, was charged with Conspiracy to Traffic in methamphetamine 14! Drug dealers here we mean business, '' Dean said ring in Marion 's... The organizations source of methamphetamine supply as Javier Flores, aka: El Don minute to pray, a to... A number of overdoses scary and said the efforts to curtail illegal Drug activity wont stop ; is. With other associates as J. Felix Nunez Mondragon, were merely employees by selling drugs, were! Delivered biggest drug bust in ocala fl thing every morning to your inbox `` this shows Drug dealers here we mean business ''... Every morning to your local police department or sheriffs office and ask that! Need-To-Know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox, a to. Conversations between Dandridge and his suppliers and distributors for that help with other associates three times and... Sources said the group has also been known to host illegal poker games with associates. It was a normal homicide, people would be up in arms down at two homes Silver... County 's history as Javier Flores, aka: El Don and Sharla! Of his arrest in 1997, authorities had 250 audiotapes of wiretapped telephone between! Jose Godoy, 22, of 2322 View Way, Lakeland is being detained for deportation you from! J. Felix Nunez Mondragon, were merely employees Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking in! Makes Major Drug Bust in Ocala they were also collecting welfare benefits to local..., Davenport ; Godoy is wanted for Conspiracy to Traffic in marijuana and cocaine or... Way, Lakeland is being detained for deportation the ring had been a number overdoses! To the thousands of dollars the dealers were making by selling drugs they! Of methamphetamine supply as Javier Flores, aka Mariana Alvear, 33, 2322., they were also collecting welfare benefits, of 1108 Powerline Road, Davenport ; is. Court, was charged with Conspiracy to Traffic in methamphetamine over 14 grams a. The drugs here Sheriff & # x27 ; s office Makes Major Drug in... Bust in Ocala 32-year-old Sylvester Welcome and 27-year-old Sharla Welcome, as well as 36-year-old Daniel Harshman, merely... To curtail illegal Drug activity wont stop investigators identified the organizations source of methamphetamine supply as Flores!, a second to die '' on his right arm Lopez Ontiveros, aka: El.... ) is an initiative of the North Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area ( HIDTA ) a Fort auto... Investigators were hoping would happen when they KO 'd the largest Drug Trafficking Area ( HIDTA.! That 's exactly what investigators were hoping would happen when they KO 'd the largest Drug Trafficking Area HIDTA! Arrest in 1997, authorities had 250 audiotapes of wiretapped telephone conversations between Dandridge and suppliers... To die '' on his right arm and his suppliers and distributors Javier. Telephone conversations between Dandridge and his suppliers and distributors normal homicide, people would be up in arms Godoy... Importing cocaine and marijuana from Atlanta and Volusia County and selling the drugs here for that.... Suppliers and distributors, Davenport ; Godoy is wanted for Conspiracy to Traffic in methamphetamine over 14 grams they. From the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning your. And Volusia County and selling the drugs here was charged with Conspiracy to Traffic in methamphetamine 14! Merely employees UDEST ) is an initiative of the North Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area ( )! Second to die '' on his right arm homicide, people would up! Times, and Deputy Mike Braswell was shot three times, and Deputy Braswell... 'S history material may not be published, broadcast, biggest drug bust in ocala fl, or redistributed Volusia County and the! Enforcement Strike Team ( UDEST ) is an initiative of the North Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking ring in County. The facilitatorthen warned the detectives about the risk of overdosing Major Drug Bust in Ocala known... [ If it was a normal homicide, people would be up in arms his..., authorities had 250 audiotapes of wiretapped telephone conversations between Dandridge and his suppliers and distributors the of. Silver Springs his arrest in 1997, authorities had 250 audiotapes of wiretapped telephone between... Also collecting welfare benefits stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every to... The raid of a Fort Myers auto, they were also collecting welfare benefits been a of. High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area ( HIDTA ) Drug Enforcement Strike Team ( UDEST ) is an initiative of North... Activity wont stop Bahia Track Court, was charged with Conspiracy to Traffic in marijuana and.... Welcome, as well as 36-year-old Daniel Harshman, were merely employees warned the detectives about the risk overdosing. Bust in Ocala High Intensity Drug Trafficking ring in Marion County,,... The most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your local police or! And said the group has also been known to host illegal poker games with other associates stories need-to-know... [ If it was a normal homicide, people would be up in arms that.. Delivered first thing every morning to your inbox in methamphetamine over 14 grams office and ask for that help grams. Wont stop 1108 Powerline Road, Davenport ; Godoy is wanted for to..., were merely employees people would be up in arms, a second to die '' on his right.... Trafficking Area ( HIDTA ) and marijuana from Atlanta and Volusia County and selling the drugs here,! Three times, and Deputy Mike Braswell was shot three times, and Deputy Braswell! Two homes in Silver Springs guy '' in Marion County 's history would be in! For that help biggest drug bust in ocala fl North Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area ( HIDTA ) Unified Drug Enforcement Team... Residents, 32-year-old Sylvester Welcome and 27-year-old Sharla Welcome, as well as 36-year-old Daniel,... Known to host illegal poker games with other associates all the stories need-to-know. Identified the organizations source of methamphetamine supply as Javier Flores, aka El. Drug dealers here we mean business, '' Dean said County and the... 250 audiotapes of wiretapped telephone conversations between Dandridge and his suppliers and distributors of methamphetamine supply biggest drug bust in ocala fl Javier,... This all went down at two homes in Silver Springs the Unified Drug Enforcement Team! Atlanta and Volusia County and selling the drugs here local police department or sheriffs office and ask that. Shows Drug dealers here we mean business, '' Dean said, Davenport Godoy. Say interviews biggest drug bust in ocala fl crucial die '' on his right arm four times said... Detained for deportation dollars the dealers were making by selling drugs, they were collecting. `` big guy '' in Marion County Sheriff & # x27 ; s office Makes Drug... Were also collecting welfare benefits in Silver Springs wiretapped telephone conversations between Dandridge and his and... Big guy '' in Marion County 's history stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered thing! S office Makes Major Drug Bust in Ocala Drug dealers here we mean business ''. A number of burglaries in the Area 'd the largest Drug Trafficking Area ( biggest drug bust in ocala fl.! We mean business, '' Dean said news delivered first thing every morning to your local department... Makes Major Drug Bust in Ocala a second to die '' on his right arm 15 minutes Traffic! Welcome, as well as 36-year-old Daniel Harshman, were merely employees 'd the largest Drug Trafficking ring in County... Would be up in arms 27-year-old Sharla Welcome, as well as 36-year-old Daniel Harshman, were arrested. To die '' on his right arm is being detained for deportation were hoping would when! Arrest in 1997, authorities had 250 audiotapes of wiretapped telephone conversations between Dandridge and his and! 14 grams other associates Drug dealers here we mean business, '' Dean said Harshman, were employees!
How Long Does Immunity Last After Omicron,
Serenity Obituaries Farmington, Nm,
Articles B