Almost all members of a 13-person drug trafficking group spanning multiple states have been apprehended for importing substantial quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine into Pasco and Pinellas counties, according to authorities. Consequently, the entire operation has been effectively “dismantled.”
On January 18, investigators seized over a kilogram and a half of cocaine and more than a kilogram of methamphetamine.
The collaborative effort of Pasco County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents, United States Postal Inspection Service personnel, and Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies played a key role in successfully breaking up the drug trafficking ring.
The leader of the organization, identified as 35-year-old Daniel Carrillo of Weeki Wachee, operated in both Pasco and Pinellas counties, as stated by Middle District of Florida U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg.
“For over a year, this organization trafficked in significant quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine,” Handberg stated at a press conference. “Dangerous drugs that were distributed in Pasco and Pinellas counties. But not any longer.”
For over a year, Carrillo and his associates collaborated in trafficking and distributing cocaine and methamphetamine in the Tampa Bay area, according to Handberg. The U.S. Attorney characterized the operation as a “family affair,” noting that seven out of the 13 individuals apprehended were either relatives of Carrillo or his 32-year-old partner, Betsy Trinidad.
Handberg revealed that the mothers of both Carrillo and Trinidad were involved in the organization. Jacqueline Navarro, Trinidad’s 53-year-old mother, was identified as a drug dealer supplied by the organization.
Navarro allegedly sold cocaine to an undercover officer multiple times and was found in possession of over 400 grams of methamphetamine.
Carrillo’s mother, 60-year-old Lucy Carrillo Gonzalez, reportedly assisted Carrillo in procuring the organization’s cocaine supply from two of her relatives.
Additionally, a relative of Carrillo residing in Puerto Rico was responsible for mailing cocaine to the drug organization. A significant breakthrough in the case occurred when the U.S. Postal Inspection Service intercepted a drug parcel in the mail.
“The arrests in this case have dismantled this drug trafficking organization and have stopped the flow of cocaine and methamphetamine being distributed by it,” Handberg stated.
According to the most recent data from Florida medical examiners, cocaine and methamphetamine rank second and third in the state in terms of drug-related deaths, respectively. Handberg stated that this takedown “undoubtedly” saved lives.
