A police K-9 sniffed out more than six ounces of cocaine inside a car during a traffic stop. 2: Drug Bust at Haulover Marina. Brandy Victoria Gesell, 38, was arrested after a traffic stop Thursday night on Big Pine Key. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. He was arrested on charges of possession of cocaine with the intent to sell, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of drug paraphernalia. They were expensive guns. At Least two, he said, had satin steel finish with pearl handles. "They're also making counterfeit pills that, they're multiple colors laced with fentanyl, so they're marketing to younger and younger people," Staly said. WebMarathon couple charged with possession in drug bust. Authorities said additional deputies were called to the scene along with K9 Coral, who alerted them to drugs in the Lexus and BMW. The two closed body trucks, both painted white, were former Sears vehicles, authorities said. WebThe 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. One of the bales hadapparentlybroken open, one officer said, and had been patched with a Colombian newspaper. EN-US Two men and a woman were arrested on multiple drug violations. Pacheco does not have a concealed carry permit for the weapon, according to the report. WebIn all, 30 people were charged in U.S. District Court with drug trafficking. WebEnough 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 The guns ranged from .45 caliber automatics to .25 calibre automatics. mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Freeman said he was eager to gain title to the smuggling vehicles for his department. A man going out on the smugglers mother ship could make a quick $100,000. For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service. A Key West woman faces drug trafficking and possession charges after a bust that was assisted by K9 cop Coral, the Monroe County Sheriffs Office says. The 30 persons arrested were booked at the Monroe County Jail and questioned before being sent to a U.S. magistrate for bond hearings Saturday night. With this operation, we are making a significant dent in the sales of illegal drugs on Stock Island.. If you need help with the Public File, call (954) 364-2526. Courtesy U.S. Coast Guard Last week the U.S. Coast Guard seized what it pic.twitter.com/ih10AhQAlx. 2 Key West, FL 33040 (305) 735-4587 Se Habla Espaol. Tipsters may remain anonymous. The long process known as coking in police language continued into the evening hours Saturday at the Monroe County Sheriffs Department 30 men rounded up during a pre-dawn marijuana bust were being questioned by officials. table.MsoNormalTable We cannot allow these drugs and the criminals who peddle them to poison our communities and destroy lives," DeSantis said in a statement Wednesday. Ramsey also said that receiving information from law abiding citizens is important, especially in cases like this. Ron DeSantis said the bust marked the biggest drug seizure in the county's history. Fentanyl, often used to lace other drugs, is considered the deadliest drug in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Get the latest updates in news, food, music and culture, and receive special offers direct to your inbox. Once the windows were down, Faison said she smelled a strong odor of both burnt and fresh marijuana coming from inside the car. and help keep the future of New Times, Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our. Because the defendants were charged in federal court instead Circuit Court, Customs took the marijuana to Miami saving the sheriffs department the burden of storing it. Cash in the amount of more than $1,000 was seized as well. CAKEGATE 2023: Bad Bunny's Restaurant Accused of Gobbling Birthday Girl's Cake, Neighborhood Nazi Jon Minadeo Peddles Hate by the Minute, Affordable New "Micro-Units" Slated for Little River, Edgewater, Sen. Rubio's Permanent Daylight Savings Bill Sees Light of Day Once More, NFL Legend Ray Lewis Joins World Jai-Alai League Board of Directors. "We have seen our seizures in Flagler County is up over 500 percent so far this year compared to all of last year," Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said. #breakingnews #florida. font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; David Goodhue covers the Florida Keys and South Florida for FLKeysNews.com and the Miami Herald. The 104 arrest warrants concluded a months-long investigation by the Brevard County Sheriff's Office into an organization suspected of "distributing kilogram quantities" of heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl -- a synthetic opioid that can be up to 100 times more powerful than morphine, police said. A major drug operation in the Keys was disrupted Friday, leading to the arrest of six people on multiple drug-related charges. Jul 17, 2021. Pacheco waived his Miranda rights, according to the report, and told deputies he picked up the 17-year-old in Miami and the 15-year-old in Homestead. Tawana Blackman and Leroy Lawson were arrested at that location. Box 713Fisherman Greg Collazo, 25, Gulf Crain HamitFisherman Bernardo Lewis Valiente, 25, 300 East 63rdSt. Dade County residents arrested were: Orlando Vidal Maldonado, 42, 1265 W. Fourth LaneNestor Fernandez, 30, 4572 SW 127th Ct.Coral Fish Market owner Raul Hernandez, 44, 3811 SW88th PlaceRolando Aguiar, 30, 4132 SW 102nd CourtCatalino Rioseco Chambrot, 35, 10351 SW 56th St.Angel Cruz, 29, 2421 SW 129th Ave.Fisherman Carmelo Fernandez, 28, 5472 SW 127th Ct. Fifteen agents from three agencies seized 25,000 poundsof marijuana in the pre-dawn bust on Big Pine Key. Last week the U.S. Coast Guard seized what it deemed to be. I was just a hanger-on, not a player. FDOT Gives Update on Project's Progress, Credit Card Balances Reach New Record High. And a Monroe County commissioner and well-known Florida Keys businessman has died after a battle with COVID-19, friends confirmed. Among those arrested at a marijuana off-loading site on Big Pine Key were several familiar Key West names including Nelson Jamardo, better known as Ping Ping; Francisco Hernandez, 58, a former fireman for the Navy and now a watch engineer at the City Electric System; Antonio Tony Hernandez, 50, owner of David Electric; Manuel Sanchez, 57, salesman at Sears; and Domingo Galvan, 44, a registered nurse employed at DePoo Memorial Doctors Hospital. mso-para-margin-top:0in; On March 21. WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale, Coral Gables resident still refuses to sell decades-old home surrounded by massive development, Broward County pastor faces several fraud, grand theft charges after defrauding church, Gunman dead after hours-long SWAT standoff at SW Miami-Dade apartment complex, Police: Man fatally shot 3-year-old son, himself inside Coconut Grove condo, Police arrest student who made false bomb threat at Dillard High School; classes resume. Miami, FL 33141 The lobster boat reportedly was outfitted with sophisticated radar equipment and, as an official described, the biggest engine Ive ever seen. One of the vehicles was said to have a built-in police scanner. All rights reserved. What we're seeing, for example, just two months ago, we ceased purple fentanyl. Horace Calhoun, Clarence Moore, Jr. and Shamichael Johnson were all at the apartment and taken into custody. WebAt age 71, this Florida Keys man is working steady in the drug-dealing game, police say. Staly said in Flagler, the age of overdoses range from 18 to 60. WSVN-TVSunbeam Television Corp mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; See what the rescue teams saw, Retired Navy officer enters Florida Keys undersea lodge. Inside the bag, deputies found 37 liquid marijuana cartridges used for vaping. On Wednesday, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody announced the arrest of a massive violent gang operation in Florida linked to a Mexican drug cartel, WESH reported. The drugnet, in addition to the arrests, resulted in the confiscation of approximately 500 bales of marijuana; two T-Craft boats; a 40-foot Lobster boat, Miss Lucy out of Marathon; two closed body trucks, a 1980 van, a pickup truck and a 1979 Cadillac. Ingesting as little as 0.25 milligrams can be fatal. Copyright 2021 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved. WebA major drug operation in the Keys was disrupted Friday, leading to the arrest of six people on multiple drug-related charges. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. 4 Sloans Trailer ParkJuan Manuel Venegas, 29, 837 Eighth Ave.Fisherman Michael Patrick OBrien, 22, 216 LincolnGardens. The individual noticed a large black bundle wrapped in tape & contacted local authorities. Harry, he replied. Dealers are also disguising the drugs to look like candy. In all, 30 people were charged in U.S. District Courtwith drug trafficking. "I been to the border twice, so I saw how it's coming in. Deputies say her Toyota Camry had expired tags and that Coral then alerted to drugs in the car. pic.twitter.com/hN3VjDEG2G, On Wednesday, a Good Samaritan discovered 68 lbs. (U.S. Border Patrol) MONROE COUNTY, Fla. Within just five days, nearly $80,000 worth of drugs have been discovered of cocaine valued at over 1.5 million dollars floating in the #FloridaKeys. He plans to break records, These Florida spots, one in the Keys, made the best beaches list. Whats that smell in the Florida Keys? The confiscated vehicles are expected to be valued in the thousands of dollars. He plans to break records, These Florida spots, one in the Keys, made the best beaches list. "It is enough to kill 66 out of the 67 counties' population here in Florida," Moody said at the Tampa Bay Regional Operational Center alongside Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents. WebTwo men and a woman were arrested on multiple drug violations. Copyright 2021 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved. mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; A police K-9 sniffed out more than six ounces of cocaine inside a car during a traffic stop. Colonel Rick Ramsay, who was there when the searches were conducted, said this was a large drug sales operation. FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. -- A traffic stop involving James Forbes Jr. happened just before 9 p.m. Tuesday night while riding a bike on Palm Avenue in Bunnell. The addresses for those named earlier are Jamardo, Geiger Key; F. Remand 3000 Flagler Ave.; A. Hernandez, 1603 Atlantic Blvd; Sanchez, 1122 Watson St; D. Galvan, 1612 United St. This story was originally published May 22, 2020, 8:40 PM. mso-style-parent:""; Newsroom: (305) 795-2777. On Friday afternoon, Alvarez-Bermudez remained jailed without bond at the Stock Island Detention Center. It was a routine bust.. line-height:115%; The back door of one was still painted in the companys turquoise color with the word Sears still visible. 0 The suspects were identified by authorities as Misty Marie Howard, 39, of Big Pine Key, who had a warrant for trafficking Deputies said they found Alvarez-Bermudez in possession of 22.7 grams of cocaine more than three-quarters of an ounce along with $10,182 cash they suspect came from illicit drug sales. That was one of the scariest nights I ever had. Nearly $80,000 worth of drugs discovered along the coastline in the #FloridaKeys since start of May. By Citizen Staff. A drug bust in Florida led to the seizure of enough fentanyl to kill at least 500,000 people, according to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office. The bag contained 25 bricks of cocaine. Robert Brown, a convicted felon, along with The most famous of these were the Big Coppitt cowboys, a lose group of guys with fast boats and police scanners. Colorful pills drive new warnings about deadliest drug in the US. 29. WebFLORIDA KEYS, Fla. (WSVN) The Monroe County Sheriffs Office carried out a drug bust. Copyright 2022 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved. Authorities said it the most defendants in a single Keys bust and among the most ever in any Florida bust. Deputies ran a check on their names and found out they were runaways from Dade, Faison said. FLORIDA KEYS, Fla. (WSVN) The Monroe County Sheriffs Office carried out a drug bust. Everyones a good friend or family of a number ofpeople. Sheriff William A. Freeman said of thesuspects, who were greeted by about 40 red-eyedrelatives at the Monroe County jail as they were booked. Among the arrested: Domingo F. Galvan, 44, a registered nurse at Key Wests tiny DePoo Memorial Hospital. The Smith and Wesson was in the center console of the car, Faison said. Alvarez-Bermudez is a convicted felon, so his possession of the gun drew a felony charge. "Several of the suspects arrested today were arrested previously in this investigation for drug related charges and were released after posting lowered bonds.". Nothing ever happens on Big Pine Key and weusually like it that way. Amanda Batchelor, Digital Executive Producer. Good Samaritans found the drugs & notified authorities. ; Paco Novalas, 23, 221 Stock Island Apts. Miami's independent source of Hes the uncle of County Commissioner Jerry Hernandez and the brother of former Key West police Chief Eugene Hernandez: Manuel Sanchez, 57, manager of the mens department at Key Wests Sears Roebuck & Co. store in Searstown Plaza on North Roosevelt Boulevard, and his brother Antonio, 54, a jewelry salesman. mso-style-priority:99; Geiger Key Resident: Jamardo, 10 Egret Lane, Key West Residents: Francisco Hernandez, 3000 Flagler Ave.Antonio Hernandez, 1803 Atlantic Blvd.Sergio Galvan, 373E Paula St.Domingo Galvan, 1612 United St.Richard Allen Shank, 3533 Flagler Ave.Manuel Sanchez, 1122 Watson St.Antonio Sanchez, 1803 Atlantic Blvd. K9 Coral with drugs seized during March 15 traffic stop. These square grouper were picked up by cowboys in fast boats who listened to the marine radio day and night for word when there was a dumping. "Twenty-four suspects were arrested but one gang member remains at large: 39-year-old Efren Berumen from Kissimmee, Florida. Marathon Residents:Edward Ronan, 57, Tarpon LodgeRafael Francisco Lopez, 42, P.O. 5 Sunshine St., Stock Island; Orlando Vidal Maldonado, 42, Miami; Norman Lee Young, 30, Hilton Head, S.C.; Sergio Edward Galvan, 40, 3738 Paula Ave.; Richard Allen Shank, 31, 3533 Flagler Ave., route man for Pepsi Cola Miami; Mitchell Earl Noa, 22, Big Pine Key; Carmen Fernandez, 28, Miami, listed employer as Two Friends Inc, Co.; Enrique Blasco, 19, Laird St.; Raul Hernandez Miami, listed as owner Coral Fish Co., Miami; Edward Ronan, 57, Tarpon Lodge, Marathon; Rafael Francisco Lopez, Marathon; Rolando Aguiar 30, Miami; Bernardo L Valiente, 25, Marathon, Michael Patrick OBrien, 216 Lincoln Gardens, Stock Island; Fermin Tapia, 41, Jamaica Dr. (city directory lists same address on P. Avenue as given to authorities by Sergio Galvan); G. Collazo, 25, Marathon; Jose Morzon Garcia, 44, 29, Key West Villas, listed employer as Two Friends Inc, Co.; Catalino Rios Chambrot, 35, Miami; Richard Lee Mungin, 37, Sloan Trailer Park, Stock Island; Angel Cruz, 27, Miami; Juano Manuel Venegas, A37 8th Ave., Stock Island. The 29s lawyer knew about the smuggle. Coral joined the Monroe County Sheriffs Office this past fall, and it wasnt long before she was racking up drug busts. WebA South Florida man and woman each face more than 60 years in federal prison after being charged with multiple drug dealing counts last week. WSVN broadcast educational and informational programming for children, and file quarterly reports with the FCC detailing the station's outreach to children. The drugs had an estimated street value of at least $181,000, according to the office. She graduated from Indiana University. Both vehicles were pulled over between Mile Markers 32 and 33. See what the rescue teams saw, Retired Navy officer enters Florida Keys undersea lodge. The search by Special Operations detectives revealed a crack cocaine lab at the 2nd street location that contained powdered cocaine, crack cocaine and about 350 grams of marijuana packaged for sale. a whopping$1.4 billion worth of cocaine and weed. Then a Florida Keys condo leader was arrested Updated January 30, 2023 5:55 PM . She was part of the staff at the New Orleans Times-Picayune that in 2005 won two Pulitzer Prizes for coverage of Hurricane Katrina. He said he knew the older boy was missing, but not the younger teen, Faison said. She's just a few weeks into her job with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office. A very special thanks to Major Monty Seals who ran theoperation. Published on Big Pine Keys garbage days, Tuesdays and Fridays. A detour to the Customs incinerators in Miami is probable. font-size:11.0pt; Switchboard: (305) 751-6692 The Brevard County Sheriff's Office said investigators uncovered 75 firearms, 9 pounds of methamphetamine, 3 pounds of fentanyl and an undisclosed amount of heroin. Florida authorities arrested three suspects and seized more than 11 pounds of fentanyl as part of an undercover drug trafficking bust. The only things of note toever happen here was the Spanish landing in the 1600s, the burningdown of the Big Pine Inn in the 1970 and the Big Pine29 Bust in 1980. Police in Florida arrested two men this week after discovering large amounts of cash, marijuana, and illegally harvested lobsters in their vehicle. He said then that he had gone to get his brother Sergio, 40. Coral the K9 helped catch two suspected drug traffickers in the Florida Keys on Monday. WebOver the years, illegal drugs lots of them have been seized or discovered off Florida's shorelines. At age 71, this Florida Keys man is working steady in the drug-dealing game, police say. If you need help with the Public File, call (954) 364-2526. Francisco Hernandez, 58, an engineer for the Key West City Electric System and a former civilian fire fighter at the Key West Naval Air Station. mso-para-margin-right:0in; /* Style Definitions */ The 30 suspects surrendered peacefully. The only person who listed at out-of-state address wasNorman Lee Young, 30, 110 Gum Tree Rd., Hilton Head,S.C. From the Key WestCitizen November 14,1980BySheila Quickstad Citizen Staff Writer. BIG PINE KEY, Fla. Just days after helping bust a woman for drug possession in the Florida Keys, Monroe County Sheriffs Office K9 Coral is at it again. All content Copyright 2000 - 2023 WSVN-TV. Miami was snubbed, Florida Keys firefighter arrested after deputies say she beat her wife outside a bar, Human smuggling, a truck and a school bus: A Broward child rapist goes back behind bars. Over the years, illegal drugs lots of them have been seized or discovered off Florida's shorelines. Jamarado 50, the owner of David Electric Inc., an electrical contractor that frequently wins large contracts with Monroe County and the city of Key West. A massive drug bust has placed a dozen people behind bars after a drug home in New Smyrna Beach has been on deputies radar for months, they say. Its like a big family reunion with five or sixfamilies, said another officer, gazing at the crowd ofkin that included two defendants in this yearscelebrated Key West Cop Case. "Arrest warrants were issued for each of the 100 suspects who have been identified throughout the course of the investigation as sources or distributors of these deadly drugs," the sheriff's office said in a statement. They will be turned over to the sheriff for disposal, either by sale or for use in his department. Several larger weapons were found in the car and in the area. Reed Bryan Bell, 55, of Islamorada, was also arrested on a charge of possession of a controlled substance and Markus Dyer, 31, of Big Pine Key, was arrested on charges of trafficking in heroin, trafficking in methamphetamines, possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Border Patrol officials ask the public to report any suspicious activity by calling their toll free number 1-877-772-8146. Police in Florida issued arrest warrants for over 100 members of a suspected drug gang on Wednesday and seized enough fentanyl to wipe out a large county. Authorities said several rolled bills containing a powdery substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamines were found inside of the BMW. If you need help with the Public File, call (954) 364-2526. Dyer is Howards boyfriend, according to the sheriffs office.