florida keys drug bust
Gwen Filosa covers Key West and the Lower Florida Keys for FLKeysNews.com and the Miami Herald and lives in Key West. Slosar said Good Samaritans stumbled upon the drugs and notified authorities. Ron DeSantis said the bust marked the biggest drug seizure in the county's history. Florida Keys Drug Arrests | Robertson & Hunter, LLP RELATED: Deadly dupes: Nationwide spike in mass-overdoses, teen deaths due to fentanyl-laced drugs, DEA says. Deputies say her Toyota Camry had expired tags and that Coral then alerted to drugs in the car. The Holiday Inn doesnt check as many people in and out a day as I do. the sheriff mused as he, members of the press and Public Information Officer Sgt. In January she also was credited with helping catch a suspected cocaine dealer. All content Copyright 2000 - 2023 WSVN-TV. mso-style-parent:""; (U.S. Border Patrol) MONROE COUNTY, Fla. Within just five days, nearly $80,000 worth of drugs have been discovered 29 out of 31 is a pretty good scorefor only 5 men against 32 armed smugglers! Nelson Alvarez-Bermudez, of Big Coppitt Key, was jailed Thursday after the Monroe County and help keep the future of New Times, Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our. 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. She was part of the staff at the New Orleans Times-Picayune that in 2005 won two Pulitzer Prizes for coverage of Hurricane Katrina. 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. Dyer is Howards boyfriend, according to the sheriffs office. 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. WebDrugs seized by the U.S. Border Patrol in Monroe County. A 35-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman were arrested following a search of their residence A man going out on the smugglers mother ship could make a quick $100,000. 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. Join the New Times community and help support An official confided that at least a half dozen hand guns were taken from the suspects. 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. The tension and violence in the air was awful for a hippy like me. Officials say they havent been able to destroy it because of a paperwork backlog. I never heard about any girlfriend of the lawyers disappearing as another other rumor that is floating thirty years later claims. There might have been something else,but it escapes me. 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. Hes in county jail on Stock Island, and his bond information was not immediately available. ; Paco Novalas, 23, 221 Stock Island Apts. The presence of the Sooth Carolina man led officials to speculate that that was the destination of the contraband. The Smith and Wesson was in the center console of the car, Faison said. Big Pine Key Residents:Fisherman Mitchell Earl Noatch, 22, Box 790. Once the windows were down, Faison said she smelled a strong odor of both burnt and fresh marijuana coming from inside the car. Florida authorities arrested three suspects and seized more than 11 pounds of fentanyl as part of an undercover drug trafficking bust. The 17-year-old was clutching a backpack, according to the report. If you need help with the Public File, call (954) 364-2526. false Both vehicles were pulled over between Mile Markers 32 and 33. Staly adds there are a lot of undercover operations in the county and you will eventually get caught. 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. Authorities said it the most defendants in a single Keys bust and among the most ever in any Florida bust. Friday night, it became clear they were about to hit pay dirt, and officers added men to their stakeout in a posh neighborhood along a mangrove swamp just north of U.S. 1. WebPolice in the Florida Keys arrested two men this week after discovering large amounts of cash, drugs, and illegally harvested lobsters in their vehicle. For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service. They captured 29 smugglers, and only missedtwo who swam away. Horace Calhoun, Clarence Moore, Jr. and Shamichael Johnson were all at the apartment and taken into custody. Book captures Keys' drug-running heyday This is a very small list of vessels confiscated by Major Seals Agents in just one or two years during the heyday of Keys pot smuggling. Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com. Ramsey also said that receiving information from law abiding citizens is important, especially in cases like this. Square Grouper is not an un-hip fish. 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. These people were very organized and were selling lots of drugs, he said. Huff is being held on $2.5 million bond, while both Walker and Wilborn are being held on just over $900,000 bond. Detectives also found more $1,700 in cash, a handgun, and what appeared to be a pipe bomb, to which the Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad responded. Miami, FL 33141 The owner of a shrimp boat that was seized off Texas last year with 33 tons of marijuana aboard. Now is the time to talk to your loved ones, especially children. WebA Florida Keys man was pulled over by Monroe County sheriffs deputies, who said they found a lot of marijuana, several handguns and two runaways from Miami-Dade County. drug bust I was with him almost every day during that time and knew the full cast of characters. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware. of cocaine valued at over 1.5 million dollars floating in the #FloridaKeys. In those days the cowboys had faster boats and knew the waters better than the Marine Patrol (except for Officer Mark Walker, the best Marine Patrol Officer anyone has ever seen) so most times they could outrun the law. Theyre accused of selling crack On foot and in boats, law officers surprised the smugglers, shutting off their escape by land and sea. WebFLORIDA KEYS, Fla. (WSVN) The Monroe County Sheriffs Office carried out a drug bust. Dealers are also disguising the drugs to look like candy. The investigation started a month ago. mso-style-noshow:yes; 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. One asshole in particular kept spinning the cylinder of his shiny .45 Colt revolver and making up things to accuse me 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. WebA major drug operation in the Keys was disrupted Friday, leading to the arrest of six people on multiple drug-related charges. A major drug operation in the Keys was disrupted Friday, leading to the arrest of six people on multiple drug-related charges. 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. Authorities said Bell was driving the Lexus and Dyer was the passenger. Nearly $80,000 worth of drugs discovered along the coastline in the #FloridaKeys since start of May. The 30 suspects surrendered peacefully. During the wait, the lobby at the department filled with relatives, friends of the arrested men and interested on-lookers. By Citizen Staff. Deputies said they knew Howard had warrants out for her arrest for drug trafficking, and as they were pulling her over they realized that her vehicle was being followed by a Lexus. drug bust Monroe County Sheriff's Office reports the Sheriff's At the 11th avenue location, detectives found Marijuana, Oxycontin, crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia and another handgun. Florida Keys men arrested for drug trafficking after K9 finds stash #BorderPatrol agents have responded to multiple drug washups & seized approx. Copyright 2022 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved. 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 man in a smaller boat could clear maybe $40,000. local news and culture, The #Florida @USCG Cutter Valiant took down a narco sub carrying 12k lbs of cocaine in the #EasternPacific, cutting approximately $165 mil from smuggler pockets.More info and photos here: https://t.co/mSb28nTIzF pic.twitter.com/hS5kRVtV3f, Someone was dreaming of a white ChristmasApproximately 74 lbs of cocaine was found by a fisherman about 15 miles offshore and south of Sugarloaf Key in federal waters.All packages were turned over to the U.S. Border Patrol. A police K-9 sniffed out more than six ounces of cocaine inside a car during a traffic stop. mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; 1401 79th Street Causeway The pot that came from a square grouper was called sea weed. The woman in the front seat was not arrested, nor was the 15-year-old. 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. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said a long-term drug investigation took down a major drug distribution ring in Jacksonville consisting of 27 arrests. At age 71, this Florida Keys man is working steady in the drug-dealing game, police say. 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. Six Arrested in Keys Drug Bust Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. The illegal The suspects could face multiple charges ranging from conspiracy and trafficking to racketeer influenced corrupt organization (RICO). Harry, he replied. Copyright 2023 Local10.com is published by WPLG INC., a Berkshire Hathaway company. Coral the K9 helped catch two suspected drug traffickers in the Florida Keys on Monday. So the cartels in Mexico are very good about marketing," Staly said. Nearly $80,000 worth of drugs found along coast of Florida Keys The law caught on fast and the days of the cowboys didnt last much longer. mso-para-margin-top:0in; Stock Island Residents: Fisherman Paco Novalas, 23, 221 Stock Island ApartmentsConstruction worker Ralph Jesus Valdez, 37, 5 SunshineSt.Richard Lee Mungin, 37, No. If you need help with the Public File, call (954) 364-2526. K9 Coral with drugs seized during March 15 traffic stop. Horace Calhoun, Clarence Moore, Jr. and Shamichael Johnson were all at the apartment and taken into custody. That evil gun-toting bunch of psychopaths scared the hell out of me. WebDeputies arrested a 46-year-old Key West woman on multiple drug charges after a traffic stop on Big Pine Key yielded a litany of pills, FLORIDA KEYS. Florida Keys - Miami Herald He plans to break records, These Florida spots, one in the Keys, made the best beaches list. FLORIDA KEYS, Fla. (WSVN) The Monroe County Sheriffs Office carried out a drug bust. The most famous of these were the Big Coppitt cowboys, a lose group of guys with fast boats and police scanners. He said then that he had gone to get his brother Sergio, 40. WebNo. WebIn all, 30 people were charged in U.S. District Court with drug trafficking. Published on Big Pine Keys garbage days, Tuesdays and Fridays. 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. Miami's independent source of These Are the Four Wildest Drug Finds Off the Coast of Florida mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; Its coming from Cuba, weather forecasters say, Body found floating in channel off Key West, Monroe County Sheriffs Office says, A coconut tree farm caught fire in South Miami-Dade. 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. Whos there, the agent was asked in Spanish. A police K-9 sniffed out more than six ounces of cocaine inside a car during a traffic stop. Plumber Fermin Tapia, 41, of 1701 Jamaica Dr.Vicente Jose Martinez, 36, 3817 Northside Ct.Fisherman Enrique Blasco, 19, 1504 Laird St.Two Friends Fish Co. fishermen Jose Monzon Garcia, 44,Key West Villas No. 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. false Here's One Way to Pay Off Your Debt, Check Your Change! 0 Marathon Residents:Edward Ronan, 57, Tarpon LodgeRafael Francisco Lopez, 42, P.O. Law enforcement arrests 83 people in WebAt age 71, this Florida Keys man is working steady in the drug-dealing game, police say. The confiscated vehicles are expected to be valued in the thousands of dollars. Other than those listed previously, also arrested were: Vincente Jose Martinez, 36, 3817 Northside Ct.; Antonio Sanchez, 54, 1803 Atlantic Blvd. 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 Monroe County Sheriffs Office deputies were praising K9 Coral on Tuesday. Same as you, waiting, the agent responded. The cocaine, wrapped up in 25 packages stuffed in a large sack and found off The senior citizen also had a 9mm handgun, 189 rounds of ammunition and a digital scale, police said. font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; bust a woman for drug possession in the Florida Keys. man arrested, charged with trafficking cocaine in Florida Keys #breakingnews #florida. Six Arrested in Keys Drug Bust NBC 6 South Florida Last week the U.S. Coast Guard seized what it deemed to be. All rights reserved, What's With the Construction on I-95 in Broward? One suspect was in the U.S. illegally. Miami man arrested, charged with trafficking cocaine in Florida They also confiscated 36 pounds of crystal meth, two kilograms of cocaine, over one kilogram of heroin, three kilograms of fentanyl, $108,000 in cash and 21 guns and ammunition - all in just three months. He plans to break records, These Florida spots, one in the Keys, made the best beaches list. Copyright 2021 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved. mso-para-margin-right:0in; Copyright 2021 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved. Coral joined the Monroe County Sheriffs Office this past fall, and it wasnt long before she was racking up drug busts. Authorities said several rolled bills containing a powdery substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamines were found inside of the BMW. The back door of one was still painted in the companys turquoise color with the word Sears still visible. There also were grandfathers, a plumber, a power companyengineer, a crewman from the first vessel to arrive inKey West in the Cuban boatlift last March, and thebrother he brought back from Cuba. See what the rescue teams saw, Retired Navy officer enters Florida Keys undersea lodge. Copyright 2023 Local10.com is published by WPLG INC., a Berkshire Hathaway company. 4 Sloans Trailer ParkJuan Manuel Venegas, 29, 837 Eighth Ave.Fisherman Michael Patrick OBrien, 22, 216 LincolnGardens. Deputies found the Taurus inside a fanny pack located in the back seat. The drugs had an estimated street value of at least $181,000, according to the office. Monroe County K9 busts 3 more for drugs during traffic stop - WPLG The two closed body trucks, both painted white, were former Sears vehicles, authorities said. drug bust Amanda Batchelor, Digital Executive Producer. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The US Coast Guard offloaded more than $500 million worth of cocaine and marijuana in South Florida on Monday. At the initial approachto the house there were 2 Customs agents, Seals andanother, the other 3 were Sheriffs deputies one of whomwas Mike Barber. If youre a druggie driving U.S. 1 through the Florida Keys and youre pulled over, the last thing you want to hear is the Monroe County Sheriffs Department call in backup in the form of the K-9 crew, specifically the drug-sniffing two-year-old Golden Retriever named Coral. bust At that point the two came face to face and the alleged smuggler, cried, Al, mi madre, the police.. Another was a miniature (three inches long) replica of the old Colt 45. 27 lbs of marijuana & 3 lbs of cocaine. mso-para-margin-left:0in; 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.