The situation changed dramatically as Forbes tried to run away after a deputy found a suspicious package during a pat down. The 29s lawyer knew about the smuggle. In January she also was credited with helping catch a suspected cocaine dealer. These people were very organized and were selling lots of drugs, he said. This page is compiled mostly from Major Seals scrapbook that he wasgraciousenough to share with us. The canine deputy joined the department about three months ago and on Monday she caught yet another suspected drug dealer. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Theyre accused of selling crack Copyright 2022 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved. Nelson Alvarez-Bermudez, of Big Coppitt Key, was jailed Thursday after the Monroe County Bert Thompson waited for a list of the names of those arrested and the charges to be filed. At age 71, this Florida Keys man is working steady in the drug-dealing game, police say. WebDrugs seized by the U.S. Border Patrol in Monroe County. 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. So the cartels in Mexico are very good about marketing," Staly said. See what the rescue teams saw, Retired Navy officer enters Florida Keys undersea lodge. WSVN-TVSunbeam Television Corp Marathon Residents:Edward Ronan, 57, Tarpon LodgeRafael Francisco Lopez, 42, P.O. Harry, he replied. font-size:11.0pt; 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. Horace Calhoun, Clarence Moore, Jr. and Shamichael Johnson were all at the apartment and taken into custody. Authorities say they then found the following in the Camry: In addition to the trafficking charge, Gesell also faces charges of possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance (pills) without a prescription and possession of drug paraphernalia. 2 Key West, FL 33040 (305) 735-4587 Se Habla Espaol. Florida traffic stop uncovers poached lobsters, drugs Big Pine Key Residents:Fisherman Mitchell Earl Noatch, 22, Box 790. bust With this operation, we are making a significant dent in the sales of illegal drugs on Stock Island.. Copyright 2021 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved. 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. The public may view the reports by going to WSVN.com and clicking on "FCC Public File", or by visiting the FCC's website at FCC.org. Deputies ran a check on their names and found out they were runaways from Dade, Faison said. The amount of opiates seized were "enough to kill every single resident of Brevard County," which has an estimated population of about 590,000 people, according to police. 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. I was with him almost every day during that time and knew the full cast of characters. Florida Keys - Miami Herald of cocaine valued at over 1.5 million dollars floating in the #FloridaKeys. "I been to the border twice, so I saw how it's coming in. Keys woman facing numerous drug counts after pot smell leads to pills, cocaine. Horace Calhoun, Clarence Moore, Jr. and Shamichael Johnson were all at the apartment and taken into custody. 0 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. Law enforcement officers raided a Keys smugglingoperation Saturday and busted an assortment of KeyWests establishment: the head of the Sears mensdepartment, a Chevrolet dealer, w Pepsi Cola truckdriver and a county commissioners uncle. Staly said in Flagler, the age of overdoses range from 18 to 60. {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; She was part of the staff at the New Orleans Times-Picayune that in 2005 won two Pulitzer Prizes for coverage of Hurricane Katrina. Miami's independent source of Marathon couple charged with possession in drug bust Police arrested 100 suspects and seized enough drugs to wipe out a large county. One suspect was in the U.S. illegally. #BorderPatrol agents have responded to multiple drug washups & seized approx. Copyright 2023 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. The pot that came from a square grouper was called sea weed. WebIn all, 30 people were charged in U.S. District Court with drug trafficking. Florida Gov. She graduated from Indiana University. Dozens of them were taken into custody and bused to prison, including the six alleged ringleaders. The woman in the front seat was not arrested, nor was the 15-year-old. font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; Authorities confiscated 500 50-pound bales of pot, a 40-foot Marathon-based lobster boat, the Miss Lucy, two trucks, a 1980 Ford van, a Chevy pickup with a camper, a 1979 gold Cadillac and two 24- foot T-craft, boats designed for back-country fishing that arepopularwith smugglers because they can haul huge loads over shallow water at high speed. Forbes, who's been arrested multiple times, was charged with, among other things, possession of methamphetamine and trafficking eight grams of fentanyl. Officers also found more than $3,000 in cash. pic.twitter.com/hN3VjDEG2G, On Wednesday, a Good Samaritan discovered 68 lbs. Slosar said Good Samaritans stumbled upon the drugs and notified authorities. Drug smuggling really took hold and changed lifestyles in the Florida Keys in the 1970s and 80s. Fifteen agents from three agencies seized 25,000 poundsof marijuana in the pre-dawn bust on Big Pine Key. 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. The law caught on fast and the days of the cowboys didnt last much longer. 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. The owner of a shrimp boat that was seized off Texas last year with 33 tons of marijuana aboard. Rickie Santiago Pacheco, 23, faces charges of carrying a concealed firearm without a license, possessing a firearm while committing a felony, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of drug paraphernalia, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and interfering with the custody of a minor. A major drug operation in the Keys was disrupted Friday, leading to the arrest of six people on multiple drug-related charges. ; Ralph Jesus Valdez, 37, No. KEY WEST, Fla. A Key West woman faces methamphetamine trafficking and other drug charges after a bust that was assisted by K9 cop Coral, the Monroe County Sheriffs Office says. 6 to Know: Drug Bust at Haulover Marina, Search - NBC 6 South Two teenage boys, ages 15 and 17, were sitting in the backseat. mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; Become a member to support the independent voice of South Florida This time she alerted deputies to drugs inside a Lexus and a BMW that were pulled over Monday afternoon on Big Pine Key. Newsroom: (305) 795-2777. independent local journalism in Miami. However, he dreaded the prospect of storing the marijuana. Harry, what you doing here? the other man queried. The suspects were identified by authorities as Misty Marie Howard, 39, of Big Pine Key, who had a warrant for trafficking in heroin, trafficking in methamphetamines and possession of a controlled substance. The two closed body trucks, both painted white, were former Sears vehicles, authorities said. Freeman said he was eager to gain title to the smuggling vehicles for his department. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. man arrested, charged with trafficking cocaine in Florida Keys The drugs had an estimated street value of at least $181,000, according to the office. The bag contained 25 bricks of cocaine. The tension and violence in the air was awful for a hippy like me. We cannot allow these drugs and the criminals who peddle them to poison our communities and destroy lives," DeSantis said in a statement Wednesday. Huff is being held on $2.5 million bond, while both Walker and Wilborn are being held on just over $900,000 bond. Traffic stop results in drug bust. "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. 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. Courtesy U.S. Coast Guard Last week the U.S. Coast Guard seized what it mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; Whos there, the agent was asked in Spanish. 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. 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. 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. These Are the Four Wildest Drug Finds Off the Coast of Florida ; Paco Novalas, 23, 221 Stock Island Apts. WebMarathon couple charged with possession in drug bust. Whats that smell in the Florida Keys? mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; On foot and in boats, law officers surprised the smugglers, shutting off their escape by land and sea. Colonel Rick Ramsay, who was there when the searches were conducted, said this was a large drug sales operation. And as frantic efforts were being made to reach U.S. Magistrate Jack Saunders to arrange a bond hearing, Sheriff William A. Freeman Jr. fretted, Where the hell am going to put them? Freemans already over-crowded jail became even more cramped when inmates destroyed Cell Block 2 during a disturbance Wednesday night. A man going out on the smugglers mother ship could make a quick $100,000. If you need help with the Public File, call (954) 364-2526. 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. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The US Coast Guard offloaded more than $500 million worth of cocaine and marijuana in South Florida on Monday. Cash in the amount of more than $1,000 was seized as well. The investigation started a month ago. drug bust 4 Sloans Trailer ParkJuan Manuel Venegas, 29, 837 Eighth Ave.Fisherman Michael Patrick OBrien, 22, 216 LincolnGardens. A police K-9 sniffed out more than six ounces of cocaine inside a car during a traffic stop. Other than those listed previously, also arrested were: Vincente Jose Martinez, 36, 3817 Northside Ct.; Antonio Sanchez, 54, 1803 Atlantic Blvd. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware. Ruff arrest: K9 busts alleged drug trafficker in Florida Keys - WPLG WebNo. The 17-year-old was clutching a backpack, according to the report. "But if you are a poison peddler, and you kill someone in Flagler County, we are going to investigate you for first-degree murder, and we already have four people sitting in state prison for killing someone for selling the lethal dose," Staly said. ), Car dealership workers kidnapped, tortured in armed robbery: police, Woman buys new tires that turn out to be 9 years old. 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. For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service. 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. Amanda Batchelor, Digital Executive Producer. A detour to the Customs incinerators in Miami is probable. The Big Coppitt cowboys were the most successful. Another was a miniature (three inches long) replica of the old Colt 45. Here's One Way to Pay Off Your Debt, Check Your Change! #breakingnews #florida. Because of that the cops got a tip off that there was an pot unloading operation going on. Nearly $80,000 worth of drugs discovered along the coastline in the #FloridaKeys since start of May. As lawmen gathered near the off-loading site on the bayside of Big Pine Key, a Customs agent was approached by one of the alleged offenders. 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. Before joining the Herald, he covered Congress, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy in Washington, D.C. 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. Agents of the Sheriffs Department, the U.S. CustomsService and the Florida Marine Patrol culminated amonth-long investigation at 4 a.m., seizing three boats,three trucks and a gold Cadillac. Copyright 2021 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved. The estimated value of the marijuana was listed at $2 million. Authorities said it the mostdefendants in a single Keys bust and among the most everin any Florida bust. EN-US mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; These werent Saturday night specials, the deputy, said. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. WebKEY WEST, Fla. A Key West woman faces methamphetamine trafficking and other drug charges after a bust that was assisted by K9 cop Coral, the Monroe County Sheriffs Office Six Arrested in Keys Drug Bust NBC 6 South Florida Deputy Megan Faison wrote in her report that she asked a 22-year-old female passenger in the front seat to roll her window all the way down so he could safely look inside the car, since it had dark tinted windows. If you need help with the Public File, call (954) 364-2526. Deputies checked the car and found 38 more marijuana vaping products, a loaded Taurus .40 caliber handgun, a Smith and Wesson SD40 VE handgun, five 12-gauge shotgun shells, 57 .22 magnum bullets, and one 9 mm bullet, as well as various drug equipment, including rolling papers and a marijuana grinder, according to the report. and help keep the future of New Times, Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our. Copyright 2023 Local10.com is published by WPLG INC., a Berkshire Hathaway company. 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. WSVN broadcast educational and informational programming for children, and file quarterly reports with the FCC detailing the station's outreach to children. "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. WebA major drug operation in the Keys was disrupted Friday, leading to the arrest of six people on multiple drug-related charges. 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. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? WebPolice in the Florida Keys arrested two men this week after discovering large amounts of cash, drugs, and illegally harvested lobsters in their vehicle. Amanda Batchelor, Digital Executive Producer. 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. Authorities said it the most defendants in a single Keys bust and among the most ever in any Florida bust. On Friday afternoon, Alvarez-Bermudez remained jailed without bond at the Stock Island Detention Center. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. 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. He was arrested and charged with trafficking cocaine. Deputies drove him to the COVID-19 checkpoint at mile marker 112.5 on U.S. 1, where his parents picked him up, Linhardt said. The back door of one was still painted in the companys turquoise color with the word Sears still visible. K9 Coral assisted in the arrest of a Key West woman who faces drug trafficking and possession charges. mso-para-margin-right:0in; Get the latest updates in news, food, music and culture, and receive special offers direct to your inbox. 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. Feds charge Florida Keys woman and Homestead man with dealing 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. Authorities said Bell was driving the Lexus and Dyer was the passenger. FDOT Gives Update on Project's Progress, Credit Card Balances Reach New Record High. 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 the initial approachto the house there were 2 Customs agents, Seals andanother, the other 3 were Sheriffs deputies one of whomwas Mike Barber. Authorities said additional deputies were called to the scene along with K9 Coral, who alerted them to drugs in the Lexus and BMW. A reporter for the Miami Herald, who wanted to take pictures of the arrested men, was threatened by the lobby crowd who warned him that neither he nor the camera would make it out of the building unharmed if he took photos. Ramsey also said that receiving information from law abiding citizens is important, especially in cases like this. 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. 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. Published on Big Pine Keys garbage days, Tuesdays and Fridays. The suspects could face multiple charges ranging from conspiracy and trafficking to racketeer influenced corrupt organization (RICO). WebAt age 71, this Florida Keys man is working steady in the drug-dealing game, police say.