Sheriff Dennis Lemma of Florida revealed on Tuesday that authorities have detained 20 persons and are searching for an other 13. These individuals are linked to a large-scale drug trafficking network.
The gang is accused of selling a variety of substances, including as heroin, fentanyl, meth, and “Molly,” in addition to firearms like handguns, machine guns, and rifles.
In one instance, it was claimed that members of the organizations tried to use a drone to drop cigarettes, cell phones, SIM cards, razors, and other illegal items beyond the locked gates of a Florida jail.
According to a news release from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, in another, a UPS manager allegedly would intercept shipments bearing fictitious addresses and distribute them to people associated with the trafficking network.
Operation Black Ice, a law enforcement effort involving municipal, state, and federal partners, began in October 2023.
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Among the operation’s main findings are:
- An undercover agent purchases drugs and weapons totaling $160,000.
- Cocaine and over a dozen guns were taken from a house.
- An unsuccessful attempt to kill an inmate for pay
- More accused individuals have been taken into custody in Orange and Seminole counties.
“For years, we have emphasized that we cannot arrest our way out of the drug epidemic facing our country, but we also must hold drug dealers accountable to the fullest extent of the law. This scale of this investigation exemplifies the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies and underscores our commitment to tackling illicit narcotics on our streets, especially Fentanyl and the associated organized crime,” Sheriff Lemma stated in prepared remarks.
