Florida deputies nabbed $6 million worth of fentanyl and nearly $1 million in heroin in the largest seizure of the drugs in Okaloosa County's history, the sheriff's office said today. Calling it the largest seizure of heroin and fentanyl in Okaloosa Countys history, the Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office today outlined a ten month undercover investigation dubbed Operation PayDirt that led to fifteen arrests on charges ranging from trafficking in heroin to sale of heroin. In total, 25 are facing charges in connection to Operation Hans Gruber including four federal arrests and 21 state of Florida arrests. Just a week before the bust, two more overdoses were reported on the property. Additional charges and/or arrests may be forthcoming as a result of this investigation. Harvesting of the marijuana plants had begun, however it did not appear that any of it had been released into the community before the execution of the search warrant. 18 arrested in Okaloosa County drug sweep. Investigators were looking into an illegal marijuana drug trafficking organization being operated in Oklahoma and Colorado. Since August of 2017, the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office has worked with local, state, and federal agencies to crack down on illegal drugs. OCSO News Release: Six people were taken into custody following the execution of a narcotics search warrant at a Niceville area home thats been associated with narcotics overdoses and suspected narcotics distribution. TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) The Haskell County Sheriff's Office arrested two people on Wednesday in connection to a drug trafficking investigation. Following the search, seven individuals were arrested at a Crestview home. On Wednesday and Thursday, federal and stateofficers arrested 12 suspects. PENSACOLA, FLORIDA Jason R. Coody, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced today the sentences of defendants who were indicted in multiple cases and convicted for their participation in an opioid, methamphetamine, and cocaine distribution ring previously active in Okaloosa County. Authorities believe the group moved their main grow operation from Colorado to Oklahoma. It will depend on their amount of drugs that can be associated with each individual.". Published: Oct. 9, 2020 at 4:43 PM CDT Training and seminars for Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies. "This is not a game. The Okaloosa County Sheriff's. Posted on October 27, 2022 October 27, 2022 WALTON COUNTY, Fla More than 3,000 grams of cocaine is seized during a yearlong investigation into drug trafficking in Walton and Okaloosa Counties resulting in the arrest of 21 people. Due to the sheer size of the illegal operation, law enforcement spent two days conducting eradication and destruction of the marijuana plants. United States Attorneys Office Other major players in the drug . These steps are often compact, practical and easy to move. Overcrowded emergency rooms are full of patients related to addition, withdrawal, and numerous health complications. OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. -- Two people were arrested on drug trafficking charges after a traffic stop in Destin. But, he says his team is ready to find them. Twenty-five of those resulting in death attributed to heroin and fentanyl. During a consensual search of her vehicle, Sgt Milonas An 18-year old Fort Walton Beach resident was taken into custody last night at a high school basketball game after deputies learned he had a concealed firearm at the game. An individual identified as the manager of the operation, 44-year-old Jose Francisco Figueroa-Aguilar of Modesto, California, was ultimately arrested and lodged at the Douglas County Jail on charges of Unlawful Possession and Unlawful Manufacture of Marijuana. The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office has arrested a Crestview man, following the execution of a narcotics search warrant at a residence on Wingard Street in Crestview. (Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office) By WJHG Newsroom. OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. -- Six people were arrested in a drug bust Tuesday at a Niceville home. The following persons were present during the search warrant execution and were arrested: He said, so far, no charges have been filed and they are not releasing a name. The Douglas County Sheriffs Office was assisted by DINT, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC), the Douglas County Water Master and the Douglas County Public Works Department. Other charges include resisting without violence, keeping a public nuisance structure for drug activity, and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence. The DEA Denver Front Range Task Force initially identified a Chinese money laundering organization they say was selling black market marijuana to fund criminal activities. NICEVILLE, Fla. (WKRG) The Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office said 6 people face drug charges after deputies executed a narcotics search warrant Tuesday, June 28. Synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, and heroin have been an issue in the county for. Seven arrested in Okaloosa County drug bust. On July 22nd, an. The bust took place at a homestead property at 34 9th Avenue that has been the source of multiple overdoses, drug-related deaths, and complaints from residents and developers in the community. Theft and burglaries increase. Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children. 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Applicants claiming preference must submit a Form DD-214. 21 arrested after yearlong drug trafficking investigation in Walton, Okaloosa Northwest Florida Daily News USA TODAY NETWORK 0:00 1:26 More than 3,000 grams of cocaine were seized and 21 people. You're dead," Sheriff Ashley pointed out. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Two men suspected of buying and selling "large quantities" of fentanyl were arrested after authorities in Clay County uncovered enough of the lethal drug to kill more than. Investigators also found 766 grams of fentanyl with an estimated street value of six-million dollars, along with a pill press, hundreds of diet pills, 45 grams of MDMA and a loaded Tec 9 handgun. Five had been previously arrested on state charges and four individuals are still at large who have outstanding warrants. Deputies entered the home on Pine street off East HWY 20 on Tuesday. Required fields are marked *. Dog steps benefit all kinds of dogs, from toy breeds to dogs that shouldnt do a lot of jumping. OCSO described the house as dirty and said the kids were sleeping on dirty clothes and covered in bugs. Deputies say 39-year old David Rodriguez of Destin was standing next to a white car when they arrived and got into Four teens ranging in age from 13 to 16 were arrested by Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office deputies in Crestview this morning after deputies responded to reports of suspicious activity around 5 a.m. A homeowner on Richburg Lane says he noticed a flashlight outside his A 16-year old burglary suspect near Crestview was captured Tuesday morning after stealing a car and fleeing from Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office deputies. In the summer of 2019, federal agents seized over 16.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, over 7 kilograms of fentanyl/heroin mixtures, over 2 kilograms of opioid pills, over a kilogram of cocaine, and almost 2 kilograms of marijuana from locations in the Fort Walton Beach, Destin, and Sandestin areas. Five had been previously arrested on state charges and four individuals are still at large who have outstanding warrants. The Douglas County Sheriffs Office and Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) executed a search warrant in the 1000-block of Scotts Valley Road Wednesday, September 1, 2021. Three arrested and more than a pound of meth seized in DeFuniak Springs drug bust, Man sentenced to 15 years after arrest for drug possession at Miramar Beach rental cabin, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Officials say 21 Chinese nationalists have been indicted by a grand jury in Colorado. Did you know Alabama has an official state dessert? FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. ( WKRG) Okaloosa County deputies arrested one woman after she was found with several drugs, including 100 grams of meth and fentanyl pills. NICEVILLE, Fla. (WKRG) Percy Jermaine Williams, 44, was arrested Wednesday for drug possession and intent to sell. A multi-agency drug investigation has resulted in the arrest of 15 people in Okaloosa County. The search warrant was executed by the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Multi-Agency Drug Task Force. "They had another, third party person, license their grow for them," said Sheriff Tim Turner, Haskell County. The task force executed a search warrant at 28-year-old Maurice Simmonss apartment on Pelham Road around 3:32 p.m., according to an arrest report by the Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office. The investigation began in August 2017 and led to the execution of two search warrants in February 2018 at 118 Lake Street and 698 McDonald Street in Crestview. The search of the home turned up used syringes, methamphetamine, fentanyl and more. The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal balcony fall that took place at a Destin condominium early this morning. Approximately 150 greenhouses containing 49,152 marijuana plants were located on the property. (850) 216-3845 UCC Theatre Program presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, The Vintage Singers Spring Concert at UCC, DINT Arrests two persons following investigation into alleged trafficking organization, Douglas Interagency Narcotics Teamarrest two individuals for alleged heroin and meth possession, Human remains positively identified, Major Crimes Team investigating, Local Conservation Organizations and the US Forest Service at odds over Danger Trees affected by the Archie Creek Fire, Skyline Ridge Complex fire 100% contained, Jack Fire has burned 23k acres, 63% contained, Officer involved shooting injures man officers say was a threat to parents. The prosecutions were the result of a large-scale multi-agency investigation spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office during a two-year investigation. Agents and deputies confiscated and destroyed more than 10,000 marijuana plants and about 100 pounds of processed marijuana. All 6 adults were taken into custody for. "If you don't, we're going to eradicate your property, we are going to evict you and hopefully send you back to the state you came from.". We strive to reduce crime while providing fair and equal treatment for all. PENSACOLA Eleven people from Fort Walton Beach, Mary Esther, Navarre and Miramar Beach were sentenced Friday to multi-year federal prison terms on drug-related charges. All 6 adults were taken into custody for various charges. "Okaloosa County is tied with West Palm Beach County as having the most heroin overdoses in the state of Florida," Okaloosa County Sheriff Larry Ashley said. Wed, March 23rd 2016, 7:36 PM PDT. That's all related to heroin, fentanyl, and [the] opioid crisis that we face, the state faces and the country faces," Sheriff Ashley said. Proudly made and managed in America by CYSY. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be pending. Law enforcement is calling the bust the biggest in county history and say millions of dollars. Assistant United States Attorney Alicia Forbes prosecuted these cases. Law enforcement became aware of the operation on tips from concerned citizens. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal As a result of the investigation, the following defendants were convicted and have been sentenced to the following prison terms in federal court: This multi-year investigation and the resulting sentences demonstrate our law enforcement partners tireless efforts and commitment to public safety, stated Acting U.S. Attorney Coody. OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - A Fort Walton Beach woman who was on probation for Sale of Cocaine was arrested following the execution of a narcotics search warrant. Breeding ground for gangs, robberies and violent crime, job loss and lack of healthy productive workforce and loss of economic stability. "It's just everywhere. In addition to the cocaine, law enforcement seized four firearms, more than $22,000 in U.S. currency, 50 grams of crack cocaine, and around 2,500 grams of marijuana. . Operation Hans Gruber began in March of 2021 investigating the drug trafficking activities of Deshawn Brown, Pablo Burgos-Lozada, Aubry Campbell, Jefferey Williamson, and co-conspirators involved in the purchase and sale of large amounts of cocaine. The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office is investigating the tragic drowning of a 13-year old tourist from Kentucky in the Gulf of Mexico this morning. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. Multiple witnesses told the Okaloosa County Sherifif's Office 20-year old Anessia Jines was traveling at a high rate of speed Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a call overnight of a man pointing a gun at another man's head at Brown's Grocery Store near Holt. The OCSO was assisted by the State Attorneys Office, DEA, FDLE, Fort Walton Beach Police Department and Crestview Police Department. More than 3,000 grams of cocaine were seized and 21 people arrested as part of a yearlong investigation into drug trafficking in Walton and Okaloosa counties. There have been three search warrants at 821 South Brett Street since 2019. Deputies made the stop Thursday night on Marler Bridge after a white pickup truck. Other major players in the drug trafficking operation are: 45-year old Anthony Porter of Mary Esther, 29-year old Gill McGee of Crestview, 40-year old Keithen Brown of Crestview, 33-year old Aaron Johnson of Fort Walton Beach, and 33-year old Jamaal Hunt of Fort Walton Beach. These cases resulted from a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Santa Rosa County Sheriffs Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Fort Walton Beach Police Department, Crestview Police Department, Gulf Breeze Police Department, and Walton County Sheriffs Office. "Because of the volume of the drugs involved in this case, several of those individuals are looking at anywhere between 25 years minimum mandatory to 15 years minimum mandatory. As a result of our partners collective efforts, a dangerous trafficking organization has been dismantled and its members have been held to account for their distribution of deadly substances., This investigation is an outstanding example of what we can accomplish through our law enforcement partnerships, said Drug Enforcement Administration Miami Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge La Verne Hibbert. On October 26th and 27th 2022, Federal and State law enforcement arrested 12 suspects charged during the investigation. These prosecutions are all part of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operations. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office was assisted by DINT, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC), the Douglas County Water Master and the Douglas County Public Works Department. In addition to the cocaine, law enforcement officers seized four firearms, more than $22,000 in cash, 50 grams of crack cocaine and about 2,500 grams of marijuana. by Kirstin Kerns. Adkinson said they expect to make additional arrests from this case. According to a press release, Niceville police investigated a home for two The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office has charged a Fort Walton Beach man with sexually assaulting a 12-year old girl in Destin. These sentences should serve as a deterrent to those who engage in criminal activities that put our communities at risk and reaffirms the Drug Enforcement Administrations commitment to keeping our communities safe from these violent criminals., This complex investigation exemplifies how leveraging law enforcement partnerships and expertise can thwart violent crime, said ATF Special Agent in Charge Craig W. Saier. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. On June 9th a narcotics search warrant was executed at 321 NE Smith Drive, Ft. Walton Beach by members of the Okaloosa County Narcotics Unit, K9 Unit and with assistance from the Ft. Walton Beach Police Department. 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okaloosa county drug bust
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