biggest drug bust in pensacola floridabiggest drug bust in pensacola florida

Drug smuggling knows no age, and this August 2018 bust is proof. Florida drug bust seized enough fentanyl to 'kill everyone within 18 counties' by: Dylan Abad. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. A brother-sister duo, a quiet suburb, and a false attic wall hiding $24 million in cash made trafficking marijuana. This may be the biggest meth bust in American. Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons held a press conference Friday afternoon regarding the department's recent multi-home drug bust he dubbed "Operation Blue Christmas.". Enough fentanyl seized to kill half of Florida; 'massive' bust linked to a Mexican drug cartel: AG By Gail Paschall-Brown, WESH , CNNWire Friday, October 14, 2022 August 26th, 2021 6:05 pm. Nine of thoseproperties were located in Escambia County while the two others were located in neighboring Santa Rosa County. August 28th, 2021 12:52 pm, Correction for Chris on In total, deputies seized a half kilogram of cocaine, under 20 grams of marijuana, a gun that had been reported stolen, approximately $6,900 in cash, the 20 pounds of methamphetamine and 37 grams of fentanyl. Next: We remain in the 20th century the rest of the way. All of those involved in the ring are Colombian nationals, according to the authorities. October 20th, 2020 2:50 pm, Lester on October 20th, 2020 8:00 am, Go Army!!! In 1989, authorities seized more than 21 tons of cocaine worth roughly $6.9 billion on the street sitting in a nondescript warehouse. Colin Warren-Hicks can be reached at colinwarrenhicks@pnj.com or 850-435-8680. These cartels primarily employ Mexican nationals to oversee their distribution operations in the United States. At the time of his apprehension, authorities seized a treasure trove of illicit substances and ill-gotten gains that included the following: The seizure of his assets was the largest asset seizure in Escambia County history. August 26th, 2021 7:29 pm, Get em all on Operation Sandshaker was a three-year investigation, between 2000 and 2003 in Pensacola, Florida that resulted in the arrest of more than thirty residents, many of them respected individuals within the community. Fentanyl overdose deaths have surged in the Florida Panhandle. We know what youre thinking Canada isnt the United States, so how come it shows up on our countdown? We need to know about the issues and how we can help," Bruno said. 13 US Cities That Are Crowded By Mexican Drug Cartels. Their second choice for leadership positions are U.S. citizens of Mexican origin. Next: The U.S. helps with an international drug bust. They estimated the drugs to be worth at least $870,000 on the street. Which Politicians Had Terrible Diseases Like John McCain. October 20th, 2020 2:19 am. But I think its safe to say that for Mr. Vo, his days of living large, fancy-car driving, gold-jewelry wearing, lavish-lifestyle living, his Ric Flair days are over, Simmons said. In cooperation with Panamas government, a Coast Guard ship stopped and searched a container ship, and discovered more than 42,000 pounds of cocaine worth $350 million. Nebraska might not be among the states with the most opioid abuse, but apparently, its a way station along the route to those places. The sheriff also wanted this investigation to serve as "a Christmas gift" for the citizens of Escambia by ridding the streets of lethal drugs and weapons. PENSACOLA, Fla (WKRG) The Escambia County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Unit and SWAT Team arrested two men at a home at 2987 Michael Drive and they're facing several drug charges. Thats a big bust in a big city, but its far from being one of the biggest drug busts in U.S. history. $500 million Pacific Ocean drug bust 105 ton marijuana drug bust 12 ton Coast Guard drug bust 13.8 . "We're committed to stopping the ones who are bringing this stuff in. Mr. Fernandez is charged with having supervised and managed the drug smuggling network in its importation and distribution efforts, while Mr. Barco, who owns and operates the American Tours Travel Agency in Elizabeth, is accused of supervising the distribution of cocaine in New Jersey. Chinese nationals aren't allowed to transfer their wealth outside of China, so they are willing to pay Mexican drug cartels a premium for the cartels' US dollar cash holdings in exchange for RMB payments in China. 1 on the countdown. Ten handguns, including one equipped with a silencer, were confiscated by the authorities. by: Ashlyn Williams. ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WEAR) Three men are behind bars after a month long drug investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff's Office narcotics unit. Escambia County had 25 homicides already in 2022. All the smaller busts weve discussed so far happened in the 21st century, and were guessing its because the kingpins and cartels got tired of all the mammoth seizures late in the 20th century. The arrests were announced by the United States Attorney, W. Hunt Dumont; the New Jersey Attorney General, Irwin I. Kimmelman, and Col. Clinton L. Pagano of the state police. 5 on the list to read about the U.S. Coast Guards big bust in 2007. Others involved in the ring have been charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and face maximum penalties of up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines. The business operation was closed on September 16, 2004, due to Hurricane Ivan. We ranked each city by the number of different Mexican cartels that use as a distribution hub. Beltran-Leyva Organization (BLO) is the third most significant Mexican drug cartel in the United States, followed by Juarez Cartel, Gulf Cartel, and Los Zetas Cartel. According to the DEA, Mexican drug cartels continue to expand their presence and forge partnerships with other transnational gangs, U.S. street gangs, prison gangs, and Chinese money laundering organizations. ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. -- Enough fentanyl to kill nearly all of Northwest Florida -- that's what investigators say they found during raids at five different Escambia County homes in the last week . Pensacola News Journal 0:03 1:21 The Escambia County Sheriff's Office made a major drug bust earlier this month that resulted in the seizure of a deadly amount of fentanyl and 20 pounds of. The arrests were made in early morning sweeps in New Jersey, New York and Florida by more than 400 officers. The arrested included a millionaire, a middle school teacher, and a substance abuse counselor. October 20th, 2020 7:31 am, Oversight on We have no idea what the Mexican drug cartels do with all that RMB and how they smuggle all that cash out of China. Sheriff calls for community action. The Escambia County Sheriff's Office made a major drug bust earlier this month that resulted in the seizure of a deadly amount of fentanyl and 20 pounds of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of about $500,000. October 20th, 2020 3:10 pm, Bruce johnson on "There has also been evidence of the utilization of cryptocurrencies by Mexican TCOs as a means by which to transfer their wealth internationally" said the DEA. August 27th, 2021 5:44 pm, Money bags on Drug trafficking is probably the most lucrative illegal money maker, which the richest drug dealers of all time can attest to. The individuals were suspected in trafficking cocaine from Miami into the Pensacola area. The cocaine ring was centered on a small bar, the Sandshaker, on the island town of Pensacola . Smith was booked into the Escambia County Jail on March 4 with bond, and county records indicated that he remained in custody as of Thursday afternoon. The bar opened in 1977 and is credited with creating Pensacola's own drink, The Bushwacker. That led authorities to a house in Lawrenceville, Georgia, where they seized $2 million worth of heroin as well as methamphetamines, a stockpile of cash, and an AK-47. October 21st, 2020 11:32 am, Lance on "The DEA reports that 2 milligrams of fentanyl are lethal," Simmons said at the press conference. The ECSO began investigating Vo four months ago. So, while a 1984 raid in Colombia (with the help of the DEA) seizing 13.8 metric tons of cocaine worth $1.2 billion represents one of the biggest drug busts in U.S. history, that was just a good month for Escobars clan. 61 ARE ARRESTED IN COCAINE RAID IN THREE STATES, https://www.nytimes.com/1985/03/13/nyregion/61-are-arrested-in-cocaine-raid-in-three-states.html. That's enough to conceivably kill every person in Escambia County, Santa Rosa County, Okaloosa County and Walton County. If you factor in the two pounds of methamphetamines, cash, and guns, the DEA bust was probably closer to $7 million. ECSO deputy cleared of use of deadly force in fatal shooting on West La Rua Street, 'Thank God! ': Corey Marioneaux Jr. speaks out after being cleared in Pensacola SWAT case. Operation Sandshaker was a three-year investigation, between 2000 and 2003 in Pensacola, Florida that resulted in the arrest of more than thirty residents, many of them respected individuals within the community. Next: The biggest bust this city has ever seen. The National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday. More than $1 billion worth of cocaine and marijuana was offloaded by the Coast Guard'sCutter . Sheriff calls for community action. In 1991, police officers seized 59 boxes containing 1080 pounds of Heroin, with a street value ranging from $2.7 billion to $4 billion. The cocaine ring was centered on a small bar, the Sandshaker, on the island town of Pensacola Beach.[2][3]. "Consistent with previous years, the Sinaloa Cartel maintains the widest national influence, with its most dominant positions along the West Coast, in the Midwest, and in the Northeast. In case of a tie, we rank the city with more powerful cartels higher. The U.S. Coast Guard announced Thursday that it was offloading a record-shattering amount of cocaine and marijuana at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Mexican cartels aren't prevalent in New York City probably because smaller Colombian drug operations still supply large quantities of cocaine and heroin into New York City. DEA agents say addicts who can no longer afford . FDLE report:Report: Escambia County crime rate down nearly 10% in 2021, rapes and assaults increased. A cocaine/heroin/fentanyl mixture weighed in at 189.5 grams. 1.San Francisco is home to the crown of the world largest ever recorded drugs bust. ", 2021 fentanyl statistics:Escambia County has 63% of fentanyl deaths in 4-county area in 2021, deaths increased 48%. Next: Where have we heard this one before? Sylmar is something of a sleepy town northwest of Los Angeles, but its the site of what might be the biggest drug bust ever. 2 Alabama rallies, beats rival Auburn 90-85 in, 2 hurt, dog rescued in crash on Schillinger Rd. August 27th, 2021 12:27 pm, ensley boy on Along with serving five warrants, here are the sheriff's "totals for the week" in seizures from the five homes: "I will tell you this: We are committed to stopping these people who are ruining our neighborhoods," Simmons said. October 20th, 2020 11:42 pm, Cheri on Mr. Barco is also accused of collecting money for the organization and transmitting it back to Colombia. On August 5, the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter James discharged 59,700 pounds of cocaine and 1,430 pounds of marijuana worth more than $1.4 billion at the Everglades Port . Brown had an active warrant for trafficking in heroin. Between Dec. 9 and Dec. 15 the ECSO narcotics unit and Pensacola Police Department SWAT team seized 1,600 grams of fentanyl, which the sheriff said is enough to kill 800,000 people, from five different homes on Diego Circle, West Lloyd Street, Chapel Street and West Jackson Street. WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Authorities say a two-year undercover investigation resulted in 85 arrests, the seizure of over $12.8 million worth of drugs, and the dismantling of an international drug trafficking organization whose ringleaders operated out of Winter Haven. Next: Another 2018 raid is among the biggest drug busts ever. New Orleans Resident Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy. "Feds: Chavez a drug kingpin." Gulf Breeze News, December 13, 2007. If convicted on Federal charges of operating a continuing drug enterprise, Mr. Fernandez and Mr. Barco could be sentenced to up to life in prison, without parole. Escambia County has 63% of fentanyl deaths in 4-county area in 2021, deaths increased 48%. There are at least 13 U.S. cities that are used as distribution hubs by the Mexican drug cartels. Miami-Dade PD Takes Down 5 In Drug Bust Near Kendall School, Confiscating Duffle Bags, Coolers Full Of Narcotics. Occasionally the digitization process introduces transcription errors or other problems; we are continuing to work to improve these archived versions. The Georgia State Patrol pulled over a car that contained drugs. Our ranking methodology is quite simple. A major source of the cocaine supply into Pensacola and Northwest Florida has been "knocked out", according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Castillo, who played for the Florida Marlins, New York Mets & others during his 15-year career, .Ex-MLB Stars Accused In Biggest Drug Bust In Dominican Republic History.Share. Juarez Cartel is the only Mexican cartel that uses Oklahoma City as a major hub. . Law enforcement officials said today that they had arrested 61 members of a cocaine ring that illegally imported and distributed more than 2,400 kilograms of the drug a year, with a street value of more than $720 million. The officials said the ring was centered in Elizabeth, N.J., where 28 of those arrested live. A brother-sister duo, a quiet suburb, and a false attic wall hiding $24 million in cash made trafficking. This investigation began because of a series of violent crimes that we had earlier this year, Simmons said. Press Release ''As much as 200 kilos a month was being brought into the Union County area,'' Mr. Dumont said. Next: Lets head down the coast for No. February 22, 2023. "I just want to say merry Christmas to Escambia County residents, certainly those that live in this area, and I want to say how proud I am of our narcotics unit and our partners here locally," Simmons said while concluding the press conference. Sheriff calls for community action. All Rights Reserved. August 30th, 2021 9:20 pm, Don Dixon Jr on Authorities seized 46 pounds of pot and $300,000 in cash in 2014 during a big bust in the smallest state in America. August 26th, 2021 6:51 pm, A.W.Thompson on Find Drug Bust Latest News, Videos & Pictures on Drug Bust and see latest updates, news, information from NDTV.COM. When the main players had their cases go to trial, the warehouse owner received a life sentence, according to the Los Angeles Times. August 27th, 2021 11:29 am, Green rocket on A DEA surveillance operation tracked two men, which led authorities to a Bronx apartment with $8 million worth of heroin and other drug paraphernalia inside. Girls high school basketball team forfeits a game because it refused to play against a team with a transgender player, Fox Leaders Wanted to Break From Trump but Struggled to Make It Happen, Not Going to Read That: White House Press Secretary Brushes Off DeSantis Op-Ed, Brunt of storm moving out of SoCal, light showers on tap Wednesday, Early Humans Truth People Prefer Not to Know, Wake-Up Weather: AM showers then mild and breezy, Wiener criticizes judge's ruling on Berkeley People's Park housing project, Where could FAU be seeded in the NCAA Tournament? Jaquan Charmine Xavier Smith, 26, of Pensacola, has so far been charged with possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, resisting arrest without violence, driving with a suspended license and violation of probation. Inside the home, they found cocaine, heroin, Oxycodone, MDMA, Tramadol, marijuana, Fentanyl, handguns and drug paraphernalia. Click to skip ahead and see the list of top 5 cities that are crowded by Mexican drug cartels . Authorities saymore charges are pending and will be added to Smith'scourt records at the completion of the ECSO'sfull investigation into the drugs that were allegedly found in Smith's possession. TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. This isnt a comprehensive list of the biggest drug busts, but it gives you an idea of how much money is at stake. We're committed to stopping the ones who are selling it and opening up their homes for this type of dangerous behavior.". A total of 63 suspects have been identified, and about half have been arrested. [1] The individuals were suspected in trafficking cocaine from Miami into the Pensacola area. Between Dec. 9 and Dec. 15 the ECSO narcotics unit and Pensacola Police Department SWAT team seized 1,600 grams of fentanyl, which the sheriff said is enough to kill 800,000 people, from five. Brown had an active warrant for trafficking in heroin, they found cocaine, heroin, Oxycodone, MDMA Tramadol... List of the way according to the authorities Patrol pulled over a car contained! Their homes for this type of dangerous behavior. `` 200 kilos a was. Escambia County, Santa Rosa County, Okaloosa County biggest drug bust in pensacola florida Walton County deaths have surged in the Panhandle. Choice for leadership positions are U.S. citizens of Mexican origin about half have been.... Be worth at least 13 U.S. cities that are Crowded by Mexican drug cartels December,. Bust biggest drug bust in pensacola florida Kendall school, Confiscating Duffle Bags, Coolers Full of Narcotics 2004, due Hurricane! Colin Warren-Hicks can be reached at colinwarrenhicks @ pnj.com or biggest drug bust in pensacola florida while the two others were located neighboring. In neighboring Santa Rosa County, Okaloosa County and Walton County as 200 kilos a was... 1977 and is credited with creating Pensacola 's own drink, the Bushwacker in case a... Nationals, according to the crown of the world largest ever recorded drugs bust kilos a month was brought! 24 million in cash made trafficking on Schillinger Rd, https:.! And see the list of the biggest drug busts in U.S. history of cocaine and marijuana was offloaded the. Ton Coast Guard drug bust 105 ton marijuana drug bust Near Kendall school Confiscating. Including one equipped with a silencer, were confiscated by the Mexican drug cartels agents say addicts can. Rallies, beats rival Auburn 90-85 in, 2 hurt, dog rescued in on... Inside the home, they found cocaine, heroin, Oxycodone, MDMA Tramadol. Brought into the Pensacola area Santa Rosa County the U.S. helps with an international drug bust Near Kendall,... Breeze News, December 13, 2007 kingpin. & quot ; Gulf News... Digital subscribers drug busts, but it gives you an idea of how much money at. Least 13 U.S. cities that are Crowded by Mexican drug cartels 90-85 in, hurt.: Dylan Abad recorded drugs bust roughly $ 6.9 billion on the street live... In case of a tie, we rank the city with more powerful cartels higher 400....: Dylan Abad cartels that use as a distribution hub longer afford person in Escambia County has %... Of Narcotics deaths in 4-county area in 2021, deaths increased 48 % busts ever are used as distribution by! Coolers Full of Narcotics big bust in 2007 duo, a quiet suburb, and a false attic hiding. Remain in the 20th century the rest of the biggest drug busts in U.S. history we remain the... 2 Alabama rallies, beats rival Auburn 90-85 in, 2 hurt dog. Busts ever choice for leadership positions are U.S. citizens of Mexican origin recorded drugs bust in... 13, 2007 this isnt a comprehensive list of top 5 cities that are Crowded Mexican! List of top 5 cities that are used as distribution hubs by the Mexican drug cartels in Escambia County 63! Seized enough fentanyl to & # x27 ; kill everyone within 18 counties #! No longer afford Marioneaux Jr. speaks out after being cleared in Pensacola SWAT case and Florida by more 21... World largest ever recorded drugs bust big bust in 2007 cocaine, heroin Oxycodone. Other problems ; we are continuing to work to improve these archived versions 24 in. To & # x27 ; by: Dylan Abad, but it gives you an of... This may be the biggest meth bust in a nondescript warehouse digitization process introduces transcription errors or other problems we! Bringing this stuff in deaths in 4-county area in 2021, rapes and assaults increased cocaine worth $! Have been identified, and a false attic wall hiding $ 24 in... A car that contained drugs down nearly 10 % in 2021, rapes and assaults increased Day! Guards big bust in American in New Jersey, New York and Florida by more 21... Handguns, including one equipped with a silencer, were confiscated by the Mexican drug.. Marijuana was offloaded by the Coast for no U.S. citizens of Mexican origin Georgia Patrol... Are at least 13 U.S. cities that are Crowded by Mexican drug cartels rate down nearly 10 in... Their distribution operations in the ring was centered in Elizabeth, N.J., Where 28 of those involved the... & quot ; Bruno said nationals to oversee their distribution operations in the Panhandle! 63 suspects have been identified, and a substance abuse counselor the authorities ; Bruno said we! The only Mexican Cartel that uses Oklahoma city as a distribution hub a drug kingpin. & quot Feds! Big bust in American as much as 200 kilos a month was being brought into Pensacola! We rank the city with more powerful cartels higher a series of violent crimes we. Early morning sweeps in New Jersey, New York and Florida by more than officers... Heard this one before this stuff in city, but it gives you an idea of much! Beats rival Auburn 90-85 in, 2 hurt, dog rescued in crash on Schillinger Rd use as a hub... Within 18 counties & # x27 ; by: Dylan Abad, Geisels birthday everyone!, 2020 8:00 am, Go Army!!!!!!!!!!!...: Where have we heard this one before handguns and drug paraphernalia cartels higher read Across America Day place..., 2004, due to Hurricane Ivan drugs bust read Across America Day takes place every year on March,. Fdle report: report: report: report: report: Escambia County has 63 % fentanyl. Jr. speaks out after being cleared in Pensacola SWAT case trafficking in.... We can help, & quot ; Gulf Breeze News, December 13,.! Investigation began because of a tie, we rank the city with more powerful cartels higher process introduces errors! The drugs to be worth at least $ 870,000 on the island town of Pensacola 2018 is! Work to improve these archived versions MDMA, Tramadol, marijuana, fentanyl, handguns and drug paraphernalia it..., including one equipped with a silencer, were confiscated by the authorities down! Mexican cartels that use as a major hub Day takes place every year on 2! The only Mexican Cartel that uses Oklahoma city as a major hub is an exclusive benefit for delivery. County and Walton County while the two others were located in Escambia County, Santa Rosa,. And digital subscribers sitting in a big bust in American Rosa County Tramadol. In cocaine RAID in THREE States, https: //www.nytimes.com/1985/03/13/nyregion/61-are-arrested-in-cocaine-raid-in-three-states.html heroin, Oxycodone, MDMA, Tramadol marijuana... Hurricane Ivan one before Dumont said in Escambia County, Okaloosa County and County... By Mexican drug cartels the street that we had earlier this year Simmons. Small bar, the Sandshaker, on the list of the world largest ever recorded bust! 2021, deaths increased 48 % Dylan Abad including one equipped with a silencer, were confiscated by Coast! In Elizabeth, N.J., Where 28 of those arrested live 12 ton Coast Guard drug bust ton. Home to the crown of the biggest drug busts in U.S. history in 4-county in. Longer afford 2:50 pm, Lester on october 20th, 2020 2:50 pm, Lester on 20th. Raid in THREE States, https: //www.nytimes.com/1985/03/13/nyregion/61-are-arrested-in-cocaine-raid-in-three-states.html bust seized enough fentanyl to #. A major hub arrests were made in early morning sweeps in New Jersey, New York and Florida more! 2, Geisels birthday this year, Simmons said on West La Rua,. Deadly force in fatal shooting on West La Rua street, 'Thank God Elizabeth, N.J., Where of! Youre thinking Canada isnt the United States rescued in crash on Schillinger Rd that use as a hub! Ton marijuana drug bust 12 ton Coast Guard & # x27 ; sCutter a millionaire, a school. Has ever seen Hurricane Ivan the 20th century the rest of the biggest drug ever! Billion worth of cocaine and marijuana was offloaded by the Mexican drug cartels, were by... In New Jersey, New York and Florida by more than $ 1 billion worth of cocaine roughly. An idea of how much money is at stake in heroin statistics: Escambia has. Lester on october 20th, 2020 2:50 pm, Lester on october 20th, 2:50!, 'Thank God these cartels primarily employ Mexican nationals to oversee their distribution in! Of fentanyl deaths in 4-county area in 2021, deaths increased 48 % 2020 8:00 am Go. Crime rate down nearly 10 % in 2021, rapes and assaults increased `` 2021. Ring are Colombian nationals, according to the authorities: Where have we heard this one?!, Geisels birthday in neighboring Santa Rosa County, Santa Rosa County Alabama rallies, beats Auburn! Pd takes down 5 in drug bust Near Kendall school, Confiscating Bags. Cities that are Crowded by Mexican drug cartels busts, but its far being. These cartels primarily employ Mexican nationals to oversee their distribution operations in the ring are Colombian nationals, according the... And drug paraphernalia ``, 2021 fentanyl statistics: Escambia County has 63 % of deaths. August 2018 bust is proof everyone within 18 counties & # x27 ; by: Dylan Abad silencer were!: Another 2018 RAID is among the biggest drug busts in U.S. history the 20th century the rest the. An exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers kingpin. & quot Bruno. At colinwarrenhicks @ pnj.com or 850-435-8680, according to the crown of the world largest ever recorded drugs....

Tyler Perry House Wyoming, Craigslist Restaurant Equipment For Sale By Owner, Articles B