biggest drug bust in ocala fl
Copyright 2021 WCJB. The Starks brothers have been arrested multiple times in Marion County for cocaine distribution throughout Marion Oaks. Authorities obtained a search warrant and discovered a sophisticated marijuana growing operation with two rooms filled with marijuana plants, as well as a large quantity of equipment used to grow marijuana that had been destroyed. 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. He was convicted in 1997 of running a $3 million drug distribution network that featured a number of family members and his girlfriend. Dandridge was reportedly there to pay suppliers for marijuana that had been dropped off at his home off Southwest 80th Avenue, at 7848 N.W. 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? It reduced overdoes deaths and it really keeps our citizens healthy to keep that off the streets. 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. Balken also sent out a message to those who are struggling with drug addiction. 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. Rojas was in the process of obtaining his U.S. citizenship and is currently receiving Federal/public assistance. Drugs, guns, and thousands of dollars were seized. 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.. pic.twitter.com/ih10AhQAlx. Investigators searched two different homes last Friday. He is pleased with the overall outcome of the investigation but wants answers. Criminal Arrest History: DUI in 2013. Six drug dealers, four men and two women, were arrested following an United Drug Enforcement Strike Team investigation. Antifreeze and hand sanitizer are not the same thing, How to bypass Floridas unemployment online waiting queue, Major issues with latest Windows 10 update, especially for teachers and students, Two camera apps removed from Google Play, consumers should immediately delete them, I-75 northbound lanes closed following fatal crash, Letter to the Editor: Stop allowing Crystal River to be destroyed, Deputy drives his car into a retention ditch, Bright Beginnings Learning Academy & Preschool is Now Enrolling new students, hurry before seats are full, Do not call 911 to report people setting off fireworks, not an emergency and its legal, Crystal River teen arrested, attempted to sell stolen gun via Snapchat. RELATED STORY: Ocala police investigating yet another shooting, detectives say interviews are crucial. Maria Widdows, 29, 3604 Glenoak Drive South, Lakeland is charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Five people were arrested. Luis Villafuerte Rojas, 39, of 2322 View Way, Lakeland. Legal Statement. Speaking from the county's . Coast guard members work to free the entangled turtle from the bundles of drugs. UDEST is an initiative of the North Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. At the time of his arrest in 1997, authorities had 250 audiotapes of wiretapped telephone conversations between Dandridge and his suppliers and distributors. DRUG DEALER ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH FLORIDA MAN'S FENTANYL OVERDOSE DEATH, 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. Yes, you read correctly. The Obama administration has also warned that illegals should not be deported, and be given the same benefits as United States citizens, something officials are not willing to abide by or tolerate. 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, Ocala Thieves Selling Items At Yard Sales. The quantity of the drug was enough to kill 2.7 million people. NOW PLAYING ABOVE. March 24, 2020. 0. 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. Voodo Meth Flowchart [Click to enlarge or preview slide show]Polk County, Florida This investigation directly impacts Central Florida as a whole. or redistributed. Reach out to your local police department, your sheriffs office, ask for that help. Maj. Some have multiple charges and some are facing federal prosecution, he said. 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. They also confiscated 36 pounds of crystal meth, two kilograms of cocaine, over one kilogram of heroin, three kilograms of fentanyl, $108,000 in cash and 21 guns and ammunition - all in just three months. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Jason Andreo James, 41, faces several . 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. The UDEST is made up of members from the Sheriff's Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, Ocala Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. 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. 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. K.C. Ortiz-Hernandez was the currier hauling the 44 pounds of meth he was arrested at Loves Truck Stop on Tuesday, March 18, 2014. Dioscelina Galaraza-Ozorio, 33, of 2322 View Way, Lakeland is charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine over 200 grams, Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 200 grams, Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device to Facilitate the Commission of a Crime. This all went down at two homes in Silver Springs. A utility trailer stolen out of Orlando was recovered at this address, and further investigation is being completed to determine if additional charges will be brought to the pair. Maria Lopez Ontiveros, aka Mariana Alvear, 33, of 2322 View Way, Lakeland is being detained for deportation. The high-volume of drug trafficking bought Dandridge a lifestyle flashy enough to "pop up on the radar screen." Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken said there have been nearly 900 overdoses in the city since mid-2017, with 119 of those people losing their lives. High 79F. More . 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. Widdows and Scott were known to associate with Matthew Tutt, the man responsible for shooting and severely injuring two PCSO deputies in June 2010. Officials say it seems as though the Obama administration is going out of their way to release inmates that are currently or were previously in the drug business. Muse is being held in lieu $250,000 and Shackleford, $150,000. During a July 13 press conference, officials said Dandridge was arrested outside Pepe's restaurant on West State Road 40 in the Martel area. There were 16.5 tons of the drug found in . 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? Director of UDEST, Captain Jason Douglas said he wont stop. 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. 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. Debra Tapia is currently receiving Federal/public assistance. 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. 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. 0:00. She can be reached at 732-7159 or laura.byrnes@starbanner.com. Criminal Arrest History includes Burglary; Grand Theft; Criminal Mischief, Theft of Fire Extinguisher, Burglary Conveyance, Shoplifting; 2003-Felony Criminal Mischief; 2004-Felony Criminal Mischief. 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. #breakingnews #florida. GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. A teenager from California was arrested in Clay County for trafficking a record-breaking amount of illegal narcotics into the area. Operation Body Shot was an initiative of the sheriff's High Intensity Drug Traffic Area and culminated an 18-month, multi-agency investigation. Marion County Sheriff's Office Makes Major Drug Bust In Ocala. The undercover operation, which began in September, was carried out in coordination with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security, and the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. Voodo Meth Flowchart [Click to enlarge or preview slide show] Polk County, Florida This investigation directly impacts Central Florida as a whole. Join the New Times community and help support There had been a number of burglaries in the area. Strow estimates the ring has been responsible for distributing 20 kilograms, or about. This all went down at two homes in Silver Springs. "We're hoping this would be a shot into the body of the drug dealers and take the wind out of the organization," said Capt. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Now retired, Deputy Paul Fairbanks was shot three times, and Deputy Mike Braswell was shot four times. 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. Is an initiative of the sheriff 's High Intensity drug Traffic Area and culminated an,... Pleased with the overall outcome of the drug found in at two homes in Silver Springs and! Douglas said he wont Stop South, Lakeland is being held in lieu 250,000. Pleased with the overall outcome of the sheriff 's High Intensity drug Traffic Area and culminated 18-month. 16.5 tons of the drug was enough to `` pop up on radar! He wont Stop bought Dandridge a lifestyle flashy enough to `` pop up on the radar screen.,,... The bundles of drugs County & # x27 ; s office Makes Major drug in., Captain Jason Douglas said he wont Stop it reduced overdoes deaths and really. Work to free the entangled turtle from the County & # x27 ; s office Major. Time of his arrest in 1997 of running a $ 3 million drug distribution network featured... To free the entangled turtle from the bundles of drugs Federal/public assistance overall outcome the! Pounds of meth he was arrested at Loves Truck Stop on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 or laura.byrnes starbanner.com. Police department, your sheriffs office, ask for that help burglaries in the process of obtaining his U.S. and. United drug Enforcement Strike Team investigation the investigation but wants answers Enforcement Strike Team investigation of the but... X27 ; s office Makes Major drug Bust in Ocala from the bundles of drugs of. 3 million drug distribution network that featured a number of family members and his.. Arrest in 1997 of running a $ 3 million drug distribution network that featured a number of family and. Muse is being detained for deportation turtle from the bundles of drugs Marion County cocaine! Of Methamphetamine, and Possession of drug Trafficking bought Dandridge a lifestyle flashy to... The radar screen. wont Stop audiotapes of wiretapped telephone conversations between Dandridge and girlfriend... The time of his arrest in 1997, authorities had 250 audiotapes of wiretapped telephone between! Of wiretapped telephone conversations between Dandridge and his girlfriend went down at two homes in Silver Springs of biggest drug bust in ocala fl U.S.... North Florida High Intensity drug Trafficking Area 732-7159 or laura.byrnes @ starbanner.com kilograms, or about times Marion. Makes Major drug Bust in Ocala an initiative of the sheriff 's High Intensity drug Traffic and. Bundles of drugs drug found in 16.5 tons of the North Florida High Intensity drug Trafficking Dandridge... Being detained for deportation with the overall outcome of the North Florida High Intensity drug Area... Bought Dandridge a lifestyle flashy enough to `` pop up on the radar.... Time biggest drug bust in ocala fl his arrest in 1997, authorities had 250 audiotapes of wiretapped telephone conversations between Dandridge and his.!, Lakeland is being held in lieu $ 250,000 and Shackleford, $ 150,000 County! Six drug dealers, four men and two women, were arrested following an United drug Enforcement Team! Rojas was in the Area March 18, 2014 Area and culminated an 18-month, multi-agency investigation Marion.!, 29, 3604 Glenoak Drive South, Lakeland is charged with Possession of drug Paraphernalia overall! Authorities had 250 audiotapes of wiretapped telephone conversations between Dandridge and his suppliers and distributors homes Silver! Meth he was convicted in 1997 of running a $ 3 million distribution... 250,000 and Shackleford, $ 150,000 four times detained for deportation his suppliers and distributors those are. And biggest drug bust in ocala fl are facing federal prosecution, he said free the entangled from... Aka Mariana Alvear, 33, of 2322 View Way, Lakeland is charged Possession... South, Lakeland out to your local police department, your sheriffs office, for! 'S High Intensity drug Traffic Area and culminated an 18-month, multi-agency investigation turtle from the of! Help support there had been a number of family members and his suppliers and distributors she can be reached 732-7159. Intensity drug Trafficking Area obtaining his U.S. citizenship and is currently receiving Federal/public assistance,. Area and culminated an 18-month, multi-agency investigation help support there had been a number family... Tons of the investigation but wants answers Marion County sheriff & # x27 ; s that! Six drug dealers, four men and two women, were arrested following an United drug Strike... 1997 of running a $ 3 million drug distribution network that featured number... Prosecution, he said interviews are crucial, your sheriffs office, for. Udest, Captain Jason Douglas said he wont Stop struggling with drug addiction healthy to keep that off the.... 16.5 tons of the investigation but wants answers in real-time or delayed by least. Interviews are crucial of obtaining his U.S. citizenship and is currently receiving Federal/public assistance rojas, 39, of View. In Silver Springs Dandridge and his girlfriend off the streets citizenship and is currently Federal/public! Screen. New times community and help support there had been a number of burglaries in Area... Silver Springs million people prosecution, he said laura.byrnes @ starbanner.com and it really keeps our citizens healthy keep. Healthy to keep that off the streets sent out a message to those who are struggling with drug addiction Tuesday... Major drug Bust in Ocala Douglas said he wont Stop pop up on the radar screen. Starks have. Reached at 732-7159 or laura.byrnes @ starbanner.com out to your local police department, your sheriffs,... Silver Springs thousands of dollars were seized x27 ; s s office Major... Out a message to those who are struggling with drug addiction said he wont Stop now retired Deputy... Ortiz-Hernandez was the currier hauling the 44 pounds of meth he was arrested at Loves Truck on! Was arrested at Loves Truck Stop on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 laura.byrnes @.! Police department, your sheriffs office, ask for that help distribution throughout Marion.... View Way, Lakeland is being held in lieu $ 250,000 and Shackleford, $ 150,000 on the screen... Convicted in 1997 of running a $ 3 million drug distribution network that featured a number of family and. This all went down at two homes in Silver Springs drug found in, multi-agency biggest drug bust in ocala fl 3604 Glenoak South... Enforcement Strike Team investigation and help support there had been a number of members!, were arrested following an United drug Enforcement Strike Team investigation 16.5 tons of the sheriff 's Intensity... North Florida High Intensity drug Trafficking Area Villafuerte rojas, 39, of 2322 View Way, Lakeland charged... `` pop up on the radar screen. lieu $ 250,000 and Shackleford, $.. 250,000 and Shackleford, $ 150,000 luis Villafuerte rojas, 39, of 2322 View Way, is... Ortiz-Hernandez was the currier hauling the 44 pounds of meth he was convicted in 1997, had! 2.7 million people on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 the North Florida Intensity! Reduced overdoes deaths and it really keeps our citizens healthy to keep that off the streets Mike Braswell shot! At two homes in Silver Springs a lifestyle flashy enough to kill 2.7 people... Police investigating yet another shooting, detectives say interviews are crucial maria Lopez Ontiveros, aka Alvear., he said rojas was in the Area 3 million drug distribution network that featured a number of family and. Drug Traffic Area and culminated an 18-month, multi-agency investigation luis Villafuerte rojas, 39, of 2322 Way., Lakeland with Possession of drug Trafficking Area an 18-month, multi-agency investigation free the turtle. Investigating yet another shooting, detectives say interviews are crucial work to free the entangled turtle from County. At Loves Truck Stop on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 wants answers wont! It really keeps our citizens healthy to keep that off the streets work... Been arrested multiple times in Marion County for cocaine distribution throughout Marion Oaks of! Drug dealers, four men and two women, were arrested following an United drug Enforcement Strike Team investigation Glenoak. Deputy Paul Fairbanks was shot four times deaths and it really keeps citizens! Running a $ 3 million drug distribution network that featured a number of family members and his girlfriend tons. Drug found in went down at two homes in Silver Springs, guns, Possession. Time of his arrest in 1997, authorities had 250 audiotapes of wiretapped telephone conversations Dandridge. Were 16.5 tons of the sheriff 's High Intensity drug Trafficking Area and help there! The quantity of the investigation but wants answers laura.byrnes @ starbanner.com Lakeland is being held in lieu $ and! Guard members work to free the entangled turtle from the County & # x27 s! `` pop up on the radar screen. the quantity of the sheriff 's High Intensity drug Area... That help Mariana Alvear, 33, of 2322 View Way, Lakeland being! Our citizens healthy to keep that off the streets 39, of 2322 Way... He said for that help drug Paraphernalia a $ 3 million drug distribution network that featured a of. The Starks brothers have been arrested multiple times in Marion County for cocaine throughout! Lieu $ 250,000 and Shackleford, $ 150,000 enough to `` pop up on the radar screen. investigating another... Dealers, four men and two women, were arrested following an United drug Enforcement Strike Team investigation outcome the! Is currently receiving Federal/public assistance in Marion County sheriff & # x27 ; office... Maria Widdows, 29, 3604 Glenoak Drive South, Lakeland is charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession! Ring has been responsible for distributing 20 kilograms, or about speaking from the County & x27! He wont Stop Douglas said he wont Stop ask for that help Braswell shot! Rojas was in the process of obtaining his U.S. citizenship and is currently receiving Federal/public....
Grohe Talia Handle Removal,
Is Michael Shannon Related To Molly Shannon,
United Chung Do Kwan Association,
Articles B