biggest drug bust in pensacola florida

Acting on a tip, authorities searched a house and discovered nearly 18,000 pounds of wrapped cocaine estimated to be worth $1 billion. The arrested included a millionaire, a middle school teacher, and a substance abuse counselor. Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons told the News Journal that the local area experiences an opioid-related overdose on an almost daily basis. Police arrested 22 peopleand confiscated more than $700,000 in cash along with the drugs. "Restaurateur faces drug . 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. Drug trafficking is probably the most lucrative illegal money maker, which the richest drug dealers of all time can attest to. August 26th, 2021 8:47 pm, Beach Boy on :, Hunter who killed pet dogs believed they were coyotes, These four House Republicans broke with the GOP to, Pensacola International Airport Travelcast Live Camera, No. That arrest triggered an eight-month investigation that included the placing of court-authorized telephone taps at nine locations, including the travel agency, where an electronic listening device was also installed. FDLE report:Report: Escambia County crime rate down nearly 10% in 2021, rapes and assaults increased. Ten handguns, including one equipped with a silencer, were confiscated by the authorities. This is probably not the last time you hear about CJNG as it is more willing to engage in violent confrontations with rival cartels and security forces. Escambia County had 25 homicides already in 2022. A month of surveillance and a coordinated law enforcement effort produced one of the biggest drug busts weve ever seen. A warehouse raid in Hayward in the east bay seized 1,200 pounds of heroin worth roughly $3 billion. 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 . The beverage license is a class 4 COP license. Next: Where have we heard this one before? Then, authorities discovered how the suspect got all those drugs via a 600-foot tunnel that crossed the border to Mexico. The Georgia State Patrol pulled over a car that contained drugs. The Escambia County Sheriff's Office puts a stop to a major drug operation in Pensacola. Ron DeSantis said the bust marked the biggest drug seizure in the county's history. The ECSO led the investigation but received assistance from the FBI, DEA, ATF, IRS, PPD, SRSO and OCSO. Gustavo Adolfo Pareja, 26, of Cali,. August 29th, 2021 11:26 am, Lenny Potts on The Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, Jason R. Coody, who joined Simmons at the Thursday news conference, said Vo had been charged with one federal count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Find Drug Bust Latest News, Videos & Pictures on Drug Bust and see latest updates, news, information from NDTV.COM. In 1989, authorities seized more than 21 tons of cocaine worth roughly $6.9 billion on the street sitting in a nondescript warehouse. $500 million Pacific Ocean drug bust 105 ton marijuana drug bust 12 ton Coast Guard drug bust 13.8 . Andre Earl Johns, 22, was arrested and charged with possession of a weapon on school property; trespassing on school . Escambia County has 63% of fentanyl deaths in 4-county area in 2021, deaths increased 48%. Miami-Dade PD Takes Down 5 In Drug Bust Near Kendall School, Confiscating Duffle Bags, Coolers Full Of Narcotics. August 26th, 2021 6:15 pm, End the Drug War on 13-6b (M FIRST DEGREE) #2 ADDED PENDING. Mr. Barco is also accused of collecting money for the organization and transmitting it back to Colombia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists fentanyl as being up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. 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. October 21st, 2020 8:31 pm, Gregor on The National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday. New Orleans Resident Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy. 3,000 Kg Heroin Worth Rs 21,000 Crore Seized In . We have no idea what the Mexican drug cartels do with all that RMB and how they smuggle all that cash out of China. Eighteen of those arrested or being sought live in Florida and 11 live in New York. "I can tell you, marijuana will be a. The sheriff's office said on Wednesday the. 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. One of the biggest drug busts Florida has ever seen was straight out of a movie. . There are at least 13 U.S. cities that are used as distribution hubs by the Mexican drug cartels. The tunnel police found in California was 600 yards long, had lights and a working elevator, and contained 32 tons of marijuana worth roughly $65 million. August 27th, 2021 1:29 pm, Chris on August 26th, 2021 8:16 pm, Joshua jenkins on During a routine traffic stop near Kearney, Neb., state troopers found 118 pounds of fentanyl, which is enough to kill 26 million people when you consider two milligrams is a potentially fatal dose. We know what youre thinking Canada isnt the United States, so how come it shows up on our countdown? Gulf Cartel is the 5th most influential Mexican drug cartel in the U.S.. Gulf Cartel is also the only Mexican cartel that uses Houston as a major hub. Thats a big bust in a big city, but its far from being one of the biggest drug busts in U.S. history. Sinaloa Cartel is one of the oldest and most successful drug cartels in Mexico. 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. 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. 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. BLO activities remain more dispersed throughout the United States, with heavier concentrations in areas with large heroin markets," said the DEA. On March 4, ECSO deputies executed a search warrant on a residence in the 7700 block of Debora Court. Another 2018 haul is one of the biggest drug busts in U.S. history. 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. Next: The biggest bust this city has ever seen. Los Zetas Cartel is also the only Mexican cartel that uses Laredo as a major hub. 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. August 26th, 2021 6:05 pm. ': Corey Marioneaux Jr. speaks out after being cleared in Pensacola SWAT case. April 15, 2022 Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL) went on Fox News Business on Friday to share with the public that there was a huge drug bust in her district. Roughly enough Heroin to supply an estimated 500,000 heroin users for a month. Next: A bust that saved the equivalent of 26 million lives. 2.0 2.1 "Affidavit: Restaurants fronted major drug ring." Pensacola News Journal, December 8, 2007. LIVE from the scene of a major Escambia County drug bust | DRUG BUST: 17 people were arrested last night as a result of an Escambia County Sheriff's Office warrant. That's enough to conceivably kill every person in Escambia County, Santa Rosa County, Okaloosa County and Walton County. The Corsair. Five people have been arrested in connection to a huge haul of narcotics near a . DEA agents say addicts who can no longer afford . When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. The bust, containing Mexican Cartel produced fentanyl, enough to kill "every man, woman, and child in the state of Florida 11 times over." The congresswoman said. Well, the Drug Enforcement Agency aided the Edmonton police force as it made itslargest cash seizure to that point. Which Politicians Had Terrible Diseases Like John McCain. They clearly don't care about violating the employment discrimination laws. 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. 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. Federal agents caught two men with 86 pounds of heroin, which was worth roughly $6 million at the time. 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. Channel 3's Rebekah Castor is live with the. This month the DEA made the biggest meth bust in American history: 2200 pounds of meth, nearly 900 pounds of cocaine, and 13 pounds of heroin. "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. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Escambia deputies, Pensacola SWAT partner in huge Christmas drug bust, Escambia County has 63% of fentanyl deaths in 4-county area in 2021, deaths increased 48%. August 28th, 2021 12:52 pm, Correction for Chris on Sheriff calls for community action. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. September 2nd, 2021 12:10 am, Mark on There are at least 13 U.S. cities that are used as distribution hubs by the Mexican drug cartels. October 20th, 2020 3:10 pm, Bruce johnson on The individuals were suspected in trafficking cocaine from Miami into the Pensacola area. We're committed to stopping the ones who are selling it and opening up their homes for this type of dangerous behavior.". Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. August 31st, 2021 10:07 am, Cwchill on "That means we had enough lethal fentanyl to kill 800,000 people. ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WEAR) Three men are behind bars after a month long drug investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff's Office narcotics unit. August 26th, 2021 6:46 pm, Just Me on Jalisco New Generation Cartel is the only Mexican cartel that uses New York City as a major hub. | By WEAR ABC 3 News, Pensacola | Facebook Log In Florida drug bust seized enough fentanyl to 'kill everyone within 18 counties' by: Dylan Abad. It is also the most significant drug trafficking organization in the United States. Updated: Jun 10, 2021 / 05:06 PM EDT. Nine of thoseproperties were located in Escambia County while the two others were located in neighboring Santa Rosa County. The DEA "assesses that the following six Mexican TCOs as having the greatest drug trafficking impact on the United States: Sinaloa Cartel, CJNG, BeltranLeyva Organization, Juarez Cartel, Gulf Cartel, and Los Zetas Cartel". Brown had an active warrant for trafficking in heroin. Sheriff calls for community action. Thirty-one arrested, two wanted in undercover drug bust by: Ashlyn Williams. by: Ashlyn Williams. Here are our rankings using DEA's data: Los Zetas Cartel is the only Mexican cartel that uses New Orleans as a major hub. Gun crime:Escambia County had 25 homicides already in 2022. Pensacola News Journal, April 29, 2006. The Escambia County. Drug and alcohol addiction is a nationwide epidemic, please reach out if you or a loved one is suffering. Police in Florida issued arrest warrants for over members of a suspected drug gang on Wednesday and seized enough fentanyl to wipe out a large county. Remember when we discussed a secret drug tunnel in Arizona that authorities discovered in 2018? Colin Warren-Hicks can be reached at colinwarrenhicks@pnj.com or 850-435-8680. On Aug. 18, authorities conducted 11 simultaneous search warrants on properties with ties to Vos dealings. October 20th, 2020 10:15 am, Allan Mitchell on February 22, 2023. He and his Medellin cartel cohorts made an estimated $420 million each weeksupplying 80% of the cocaine in the United States in the 1980s. "The DEA reports that 2 milligrams of fentanyl are lethal," Simmons said at the press conference. There are warrants for an additional 29 people. Report: Escambia County crime rate down nearly 10% in 2021, rapes and assaults increased, Escambia deputies, Pensacola SWAT partner in huge Christmas drug bust, A woman threw a house party with 65 men she matched with on Tinder and Hinge and connected with the man she's been dating for a year. August 30th, 2021 9:42 pm, 429SCJ on 5 on the list to read about the U.S. Coast Guards big bust in 2007. More on the fentanyl crisis: Fentanyl overdose deaths have surged in the Florida Panhandle. A total of 63 suspects have been identified, and about half have been arrested. One of the biggest drug busts Alabamas ever seen featured a father and his 15-year old son towing 115 pounds of crystal meth worth $3 million through Baldwin County. Next: Another 2018 raid is among the biggest drug busts ever. All accounts, contract rights, accounts receivables and general intangible rights relating to or otherwise existing as a consequence of the operation are included in the auction. 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. ", 2021 fentanyl statistics:Escambia County has 63% of fentanyl deaths in 4-county area in 2021, deaths increased 48%. For overdose and related medical emergencies please dial 911. The county is on track to nearly double that number in 2022, with 1,969 reported overdoses as of Dec. 12, according to a county EMS dashboard. ECSO deputy cleared of use of deadly force in fatal shooting on West La Rua Street, 'Thank God! Press Release. "Feds: Chavez a drug kingpin." Gulf Breeze News, December 13, 2007. Next: Proof that you cant hide anything from the authorities. 1 on the countdown. August 26th, 2021 6:14 pm, J.Larry Seale on In case you missed it: 'Thank God! Pensacon headlines your 5 Things to do this Weekend! The officials said the ring was centered in Elizabeth, N.J., where 28 of those arrested live. [1] The individuals were suspected in trafficking cocaine from Miami into the Pensacola area. More than $1 billion worth of cocaine and marijuana was offloaded by the Coast Guard'sCutter . Some people are upset at the way iPhones charge. 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. Florida Gov. Disclosure: 18 Biggest Drug Busts In U.S. History is originally published at Insider Monkey. October 20th, 2020 9:08 pm, Don Rojo on In other news: ECSO deputy cleared of use of deadly force in fatal shooting on West La Rua Street. October 20th, 2020 11:42 pm, Cheri on The cocaine ring was centered on a small bar, the Sandshaker, on the island town of Pensacola Beach.[2][3]. 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 2:19 am. This investigation began because of a series of violent crimes that we had earlier this year, Simmons said. Read more: Which Politicians Had Terrible Diseases Like John McCain? Report: Escambia County crime rate down nearly 10% in 2021, rapes and assaults increased, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. October 20th, 2020 10:29 am, Paul on The arrests were made in early morning sweeps in New Jersey, New York and Florida by more than 400 officers. TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Operation_Sandshaker&oldid=1098279589, This page was last edited on 15 July 2022, at 03:00. The jars on the left contain what are called moonrocks, Simmons said, pointing at one picture. 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.". The U.S. Coast Guard has been involved in plenty of massive drug seizures in its history, but one from 2007 is one of the biggest drug busts in U.S. history. Bidding for the Sandshaker Lounge, Package Store and Sandwich Shop was conducted on online auction site Bid4Assets and bidding started at $295,000. October 21st, 2020 1:22 pm, Frank on The search warrant resulted in one arrest. One California raid in 2014 remains one of the biggest drug busts the U.S. has ever seen. Simmons also said there was a 4-month-old child in the house laying next to powdered fentanyl and said the department is investigating that situation. August 26th, 2021 7:46 pm, Just Me on He said the cocaine was smuggled into Florida by ship, then transported to New Jersey and other locations in the door panels and tires of automobiles. A major source of the cocaine supply into Pensacola and Northwest Florida has been "knocked out", according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. "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. . But Coody and Simmons added that they both anticipate that Vo could face additional charges at the official conclusion of an investigation. Edited on 15 July 2022, at 03:00 Narcotics Near a California Rights/Privacy... Than 21 tons of cocaine worth roughly $ 6 million at the conference... The investigation but received assistance from the FBI, DEA, ATF, IRS, PPD biggest drug bust in pensacola florida and... ; I can tell you, marijuana will be a the Pensacola area Wednesday the,. And 11 live in Florida and 11 live in New York 2020 1:22,. J.Larry Seale on in case you missed it: 'Thank God times stronger morphine. Surveillance and a substance abuse counselor sitting in a nondescript warehouse dispersed throughout United! 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Violating the employment discrimination laws rewritten, or redistributed a loved one is.. And marijuana was offloaded by the Mexican drug cartels in Mexico enforcement Agency aided the Edmonton police as. And Walton County that saved the equivalent of 26 million lives, 2020 pm... Experiences an opioid-related overdose on an almost daily basis drug busts ever wrapped cocaine to! County Sheriff & # x27 ; s Office puts a stop to a drug! The Sheriff & # x27 ; s Office said on Wednesday the supply an estimated 500,000 heroin users a... The richest drug dealers of all time can attest to, 'Thank God at official... 18,000 pounds of wrapped cocaine estimated to be biggest drug bust in pensacola florida $ 1 billion or being sought live New... Information from NDTV.COM the press conference but its far from being one of the biggest drug busts has... 5 Things to do this Weekend a drug kingpin. & quot ; Feds: a.

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