Related: ECSO seizes $2.2 million of powdered cocaine largest in recent department history. 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. According to the DEA, these six Mexican drug cartels generate tens of billions of dollars every year and employ a multitude of financial transactions and arrangements to launder and smuggle their earnings into Mexico. ", 2021 fentanyl statistics:Escambia County has 63% of fentanyl deaths in 4-county area in 2021, deaths increased 48%. One of the biggest drug busts ever in Atlanta happened in 2012, and it remains one of the largest in U.S. history. ", 2021 fentanyl statistics:Escambia County has 63% of fentanyl deaths in 4-county area in 2021, deaths increased 48%. The arrests were made in early morning sweeps in New Jersey, New York and Florida by more than 400 officers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists fentanyl as being up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Then, authorities discovered how the suspect got all those drugs via a 600-foot tunnel that crossed the border to Mexico. on "And many of those are fentanyl-related, because fentanyl can be added to other drugs, and people don't really know what they're getting," Simmons said. 3,000 Kg Heroin Worth Rs 21,000 Crore Seized In . Click to skip ahead and see the list of top 5 cities that are crowded by Mexican drug cartels . 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". 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. 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Business owner guilty on all counts." Pensacola News Journal, February 12, 2008. Press Release Next: We remain in the 20th century the rest of the way. Ten handguns, including one equipped with a silencer, were confiscated by the authorities. A brother-sister duo, a quiet suburb, and a false attic wall hiding $24 million in cash made trafficking. 22 TCU wins 75-73 to deny No. In 1991, police officers seized 59 boxes containing 1080 pounds of Heroin, with a street value ranging from $2.7 billion to $4 billion. August 26th, 2021 6:14 pm, J.Larry Seale on A cocaine/heroin/fentanyl mixture weighed in at 189.5 grams. We bet you won't be able to guess the #1 U.S. city that is crowded by these violent Mexican drug cartels. Crazy if you do it, but apparently its a thing now.. August 30th, 2021 9:20 pm, Don Dixon Jr on 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. Mexican drug cartels also convert wealthy Chinese nationals' Renminbi (RMB) to US dollars at a lower rate than the prevailing market rate. Escambia County had 25 homicides already in 2022. August 29th, 2021 11:25 am, Michal Payton on Indeed, it seems that not a week goes by without a report of "one of the biggest drug busts in Utah's history," "Brooklyn's biggest drug bust in history," "one of the biggest drug . Explore more on Drug Bust. 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. October 20th, 2020 3:10 pm, Bruce johnson on October 21st, 2020 12:57 pm, Bonnie on 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%. 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. Drug smuggling knows no age, and this August 2018 bust is proof. The illegal narcotics worth. Escambia County EMS crews responded to 1,095 overdose calls in 2021. 1.San Francisco is home to the crown of the world largest ever recorded drugs bust. August 26th, 2021 6:15 pm, End the Drug War on 2 Alabama rallies, beats rival Auburn 90-85 in, 2 hurt, dog rescued in crash on Schillinger Rd. Attorney General Kimmelman praised the cooperation among the law enforcement agencies involved, including Federal, state, county and local police departments. The cocaine ring was centered on a small bar, the Sandshaker, on the island town of Pensacola . 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. Next: Proof that you cant hide anything from the authorities. Pensacola News Journal, April 29, 2006. Rhode Island has some of the loosest marijuana laws in the country, but you avoid trouble only when you have a little bit. August 26th, 2021 6:05 pm. They clearly don't care about violating the employment discrimination laws. 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.". October 21st, 2020 11:32 am, Lance on One California raid in 2014 remains one of the biggest drug busts the U.S. has ever seen. Report: Escambia County crime rate down nearly 10% in 2021, rapes and assaults increased, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday. 2.0 2.1 "Affidavit: Restaurants fronted major drug ring." Pensacola News Journal, December 8, 2007. 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. Rep. Michelle Salzman Calls For Resignation Of School Superintendent Tim Smith, Two Women Charged With Working Together On Multiple Retail Thefts, Catholic Church Plans New Community Center On Highway 29 In Cantonment, ECSO Investigating Reported Abduction Of Teen Girl In Bratt; She Was Found Unharmed, Located: Woman Wanted For Questioning In Deadly Escambia Pit Bull Attack, 11 Arrested In Internet Child Predator Sting, Atmore Man Charged With Reckless Murder Of His 2-Year Old Child, Cantonment Man Charged With Assault With A Deadly Weapon, All Star High School Soccer Game Is Wednesday Night, Tall Job: Crews Paint Walnut Hill Water Tower, DAVID FRANKLIN on August 26th, 2021 7:46 pm, Just Me on A month of surveillance and a coordinated law enforcement effort produced one of the biggest drug busts weve ever seen. The reason Simmons said the operation was named "Operation Blue Christmas" is because of the blue pills that are laced with unknown amounts of fentanyl, leading to many overdoses in the community. October 21st, 2020 1:22 pm, Frank on TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. Here's the latest bracketology predictions. 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. August 30th, 2021 1:53 pm, Dreama Brazwell on More than $1 billion worth of cocaine and marijuana was offloaded by the Coast Guard'sCutter . Pensacola State Police scored the biggest drug bust in college history April 20, according to Chief Hank Shirah, netting $4,548 in U.S. currency and 500 grams of hydroponic marijuana with a street value of $10,000. Nebraska might not be among the states with the most opioid abuse, but apparently, its a way station along the route to those places. August 26th, 2021 6:51 pm, A.W.Thompson on Mr. Dumont said the arrests had resulted in the dismantling of an international organization that had operated in New Jersey since 1979 and distributed cocaine in New Jersey, New York and other states. All Rights Reserved. These cartels primarily employ Mexican nationals to oversee their distribution operations in the United States. August 26th, 2021 9:46 pm, No Excuses on Read More. The largest marijuana distributor to ever peddle pot in the history of Escambia County has been arrested, according to Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons. Our ranking methodology is quite simple. Many are first-time or casual users. October 20th, 2020 10:15 am, Allan Mitchell on August 27th, 2021 5:44 pm, Money bags on You can call this one the mole-man drug bust, in a sense. Escambia County EMS crews responded to 1,095 overdose calls in 2021. Here's why. 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. "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. The narcotics were intercepted and retrieved in international seas along the coastlines of Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean Sea. 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. Sinaloa Cartel is one of the oldest and most successful drug cartels in Mexico. "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. by: Ashlyn Williams. FDLE report:Report: Escambia County crime rate down nearly 10% in 2021, rapes and assaults increased. If you factor in the two pounds of methamphetamines, cash, and guns, the DEA bust was probably closer to $7 million. 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. Read more: Which Politicians Had Terrible Diseases Like John McCain? Brown had an active warrant for trafficking in heroin. Los Zetas Cartel is also the only Mexican cartel that uses Dallas as a major hub. From Wall Street to the underworld, if theres one thing weve learned its that crime pays and pays big. The search warrant resulted in one arrest. February 22, 2023. Based in the city of Guadalajara, CJNG is the fastest growing drug cartel and the second biggest player in the United States. Which Politicians Had Terrible Diseases Like John McCain. 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. August 27th, 2021 7:48 am, Janine Singleton Walker on When the main players had their cases go to trial, the warehouse owner received a life sentence, according to the Los Angeles Times. "The DEA reports that 2 milligrams of fentanyl are lethal," Simmons said at the press conference. Some people are upset at the way iPhones charge. Five people have been arrested in connection to a huge haul of narcotics near a . . 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. Sheriff calls for community action. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. October 20th, 2020 11:42 pm, Cheri on Narcotics that used to sell locally for $10 a pill now command as much as $80. [citation needed]. Find Drug Bust Latest News, Videos & Pictures on Drug Bust and see latest updates, news, information from NDTV.COM. 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. A total of 63 suspects have been identified, and about half have been arrested. The ECSO began investigating Vo four months ago. When you deal marijuana at this level, violence will ensue and thats why you can imagine they had the 32 firearms, all this equipment and were talking about several million dollars worth of assets that we have seized, are in the processing of seizing or will seize in the following months as we continue this investigation.. "Our Narcotics Unit worked pretty hard, and these results are indicative of that effort and commitment to the citizens of Escambia County," Simmons said. August 27th, 2021 10:14 am, fisherman on Many are first-time or casual users. 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. 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. 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. The ECSO led the investigation but received assistance from the FBI, DEA, ATF, IRS, PPD, SRSO and OCSO. Police arrested 22 peopleand confiscated more than $700,000 in cash along with the drugs. Next: Not the kind of father and son activity most people do. October 20th, 2020 9:08 pm, Don Rojo on 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. The individuals were suspected in trafficking cocaine from Miami into the Pensacola area. All Rights Reserved. August 26th, 2021 8:47 pm, Beach Boy on At the press conference, deputies displayed photographs taken of the inside of the Klondyke Road property that included images of a suitcase full of money with an estimated $500,000 neatly stacked inside, assault-rifle-type weapons and walk-in safes filled with rows oforganized and packaged drugs. In case you missed it: 'Thank God! Next: A bust that saved the equivalent of 26 million lives. There are warrants for an additional 29 people. Pensacon headlines your 5 Things to do this Weekend! 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. One of the biggest drug busts Florida has ever seen was straight out of a movie. 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. We have no idea what the Mexican drug cartels do with all that RMB and how they smuggle all that cash out of China. The Sandshaker Lounge, Package Store and Sandwich Shop, located at 731 Pensacola Beach Boulevard, Pensacola Beach, Florida, consists of two small bars and lounge area totaling approximately 1,978 square feet (183.8m2). ''As much as 200 kilos a month was being brought into the Union County area,'' Mr. Dumont said. More on the fentanyl crisis: Fentanyl overdose deaths have surged in the Florida Panhandle. See the article in its original context from. 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. Authorities learned about the ring after Union County police arrested one of the members and he became an informer. Authorities seized 46 pounds of pot and $300,000 in cash in 2014 during a big bust in the smallest state in America. "The DEA reports that 2 milligrams of fentanyl are lethal," Simmons said at the press conference. September 1st, 2021 1:06 pm, J-THE-G on Florida's crackdown on pill mills has tightened the supply. 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. On March 4, ECSO deputies executed a search warrant on a residence in the 7700 block of Debora Court. The officials said the ring was centered in Elizabeth, N.J., where 28 of those arrested live. Posted: Sep 21, 2022 / 02:46 PM EDT. 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. Colin Warren-Hicks can be reached at colinwarrenhicks@pnj.com or 850-435-8680. The SWAT team. The Corsair. August 26th, 2021 6:46 pm, Just Me on 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. Mr. Dumont said the leaders of the ring were Carlos Fernandez, 32 years old, of Miami and David Barco, 32, of Elizabeth. ECSO seizes $2.2 million of powdered cocaine largest in recent department history, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy, 12 vehicles (including luxury vehicles such a Porsche and an Audi). Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. Colin Warren-Hicks can be reached at colinwarrenhicks@pnj.com or 850-435-8680. 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. Next: Another 2018 raid is among the biggest drug busts ever. Thats a big bust in a big city, but its far from being one of the biggest drug busts in U.S. history. 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. Updated: Jun 10, 2021 / 05:06 PM EDT. Escambia County has 63% of fentanyl deaths in 4-county area in 2021, deaths increased 48%. October 20th, 2020 10:47 am, Paul on They estimated the drugs to be worth at least $870,000 on the street. The Georgia State Patrol pulled over a car that contained drugs. The biggest drug busts in U.S. history seized billions of dollars worth of narcotics. 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. Thats what Ill tell you.. 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. The Sandwich Shop was not in operation prior to the hurricane. "That means we had enough lethal fentanyl to kill 800,000 people. Drug smuggling isnt a very wholesome father and son activity, but here we are. Loaded gun found on school campus in Monroe Co. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Next: The biggest bust this city has ever seen. One happened in Harlingen in southeast Texas in 1989. "This is a major drug dealer who distributes to people throughout the county," Simmons said. This isnt a comprehensive list of the biggest drug busts, but it gives you an idea of how much money is at stake. Eighteen of those arrested or being sought live in Florida and 11 live in New York. October 21st, 2020 8:31 pm, Gregor on But Coody and Simmons added that they both anticipate that Vo could face additional charges at the official conclusion of an investigation. 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. Florida drug bust seized enough fentanyl to 'kill everyone within 18 counties' by: Dylan Abad. August 27th, 2021 1:29 pm, Chris on However, the majority of Vos assets that were seizedby law enforcement came from a Pensacola property on Klondyke Road. Disclosure: 18 Biggest Drug Busts In U.S. History is originally published at Insider Monkey. August 28th, 2021 12:52 pm, Correction for Chris on 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. August 26th, 2021 7:29 pm, Get em all on 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.". August 29th, 2021 11:26 am, Lenny Potts on Los Zetas Cartel is also the only Mexican cartel that uses Laredo as a major hub. Roughly enough Heroin to supply an estimated 500,000 heroin users for a month. ': Corey Marioneaux Jr. speaks out after being cleared in Pensacola SWAT case, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Melonie Holt A brother-sister duo, a quiet suburb, and a false attic wall hiding $24 million in cash made trafficking marijuana. North Platte Woman Sentenced for Drug Trafficking Crime. The others remain wanted. | By WEAR ABC 3 News, Pensacola | Facebook Log In Press Release. Andre Earl Johns, 22, was arrested and charged with possession of a weapon on school property; trespassing on school . They were pretty much aone-stop shop for high-quality marijuana, Simmons said. October 20th, 2020 2:19 am. The cocaine ring was centered on a small bar, the Sandshaker, on the island town of Pensacola Beach.[2][3]. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. They had 9.3 grams of marijuana, 1.6 grams of cocaine, 3.2 grams of Oxycodone pills, 3.5 grams of MDMA pills that test positive for methamphetamine and 2.3 grams of Tramadol pills. 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. 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. One of the biggest drug busts Florida has ever seen was straight out of a movie. August 26th, 2021 8:16 pm, Joshua jenkins on As a result, some of the biggest drug busts in history have discovered billions of dollars worth of illicit substances. 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. Rep. Michelle Salzman Calls For Resignation Of School Superintendent Tim Smith, Two Women Charged With Working Together On Multiple Retail Thefts, Catholic Church Plans New Community Center On Highway 29 In Cantonment, ECSO Investigating Reported Abduction Of Teen Girl In Bratt; She Was Found Unharmed, Located: Woman Wanted For Questioning In Deadly Escambia Pit Bull Attack, 11 Arrested In Internet Child Predator Sting, Atmore Man Charged With Reckless Murder Of His 2-Year Old Child, Cantonment Man Charged With Assault With A Deadly Weapon, All Star High School Soccer Game Is Wednesday Night, Tall Job: Crews Paint Walnut Hill Water Tower, 2,156 pounds of the highest grade marijuana, citizen II on ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. -- The Escambia County Sheriff's Office announced a significant drug arrest Thursday that they say should help reduce violent crimes in the area. A warehouse raid in Hayward in the east bay seized 1,200 pounds of heroin worth roughly $3 billion. 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. Their second choice for leadership positions are U.S. citizens of Mexican origin. Bidding for the Sandshaker Lounge, Package Store and Sandwich Shop was conducted on online auction site Bid4Assets and bidding started at $295,000. Drug and alcohol addiction is a nationwide epidemic, please reach out if you or a loved one is suffering. PENSACOLA, Fla (WKRG) The Escambia County Sheriffs Office Narcotics Unit and SWAT Team arrested two men at a home at 2987 Michael Drive and theyre facing several drug charges. The SWAT team made entry to the home after knocking and announcing who they were. 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. October 20th, 2020 7:15 am, Matchbox on October 20th, 2020 8:00 am, Go Army!!! ECSO deputy cleared of use of deadly force in fatal shooting on West La Rua Street, 'Thank God! Jalisco New Generation Cartel is the only Mexican cartel that uses New York City as a major hub. October 20th, 2020 2:50 pm, Lester on August 30th, 2021 9:42 pm, 429SCJ on 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. There are at least 13 U.S. cities that are used as distribution hubs by the Mexican drug cartels. Forget talking about just drug dealers, Pablo Escobar is one of the richest criminals who ever lived. "We're committed to stopping the ones who are bringing this stuff in. Next: The U.S. helps with an international drug bust. Well, a 2011 raid in San Diego originated the idea. Next: Where have we heard this one before? Los Zetas Cartel is the least influential of the 6 Mexican cartels, but this doesn't mean that its members aren't dangerous people. New Orleans Resident Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy. Three suspects were arrested in Florida in connection with an undercover drug trafficking bust in which officials seized 11 pounds of fentanyl manufactured in Mexico. Gulf Cartel is the only Mexican cartel that uses Detroit as a major hub. We're committed to stopping the ones who are selling it and opening up their homes for this type of dangerous behavior.". This may be the biggest meth bust in American. The arrested included a millionaire, a middle school teacher, and a substance abuse counselor. Florida Gov. 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. This is a digitized version of an article from The Timess print archive, before the start of online publication in 1996. He and his Medellin cartel cohorts made an estimated $420 million each weeksupplying 80% of the cocaine in the United States in the 1980s. Next: Lets head down the coast for No. 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? 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. August 27th, 2021 6:07 pm, JAnine on 9 Texas a B12 title, Kevin Durant scores 23 points in Charlotte in Suns, Baylor women showing they can win, even without Big, Meet the Gulf Coast CW Host: Theo Williams, WWE Hall of Famer The Honky Tonk Man joins Gulf Coast, Rich Harmon from CWs The 100 and the final season, Pensacon 2023: Highlights from the Gulf Coasts biggest, The Young Sheldon | Shazam: Fury of the Gods Sweepstakes. The sheriff added that further arrests of more peoplein connection toVos operations also could occur pending the investigation's completion. August 27th, 2021 12:27 pm, ensley boy on Kingpins can make billions when their drugs hit the street, but the authorities do their best to prevent that from happening. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. In the world of drug enforcement, it pays to be patient. FDLE report:Report: Escambia County crime rate down nearly 10% in 2021, rapes and assaults increased. 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 . 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. Another 2018 haul is one of the biggest drug busts in U.S. history. We ranked each city by the number of different Mexican cartels that use as a distribution hub. Updated: Sep 22, 2022 / 05:30 AM EDT. "Restaurateur faces drug . We need to know about the issues and how we can help," Bruno said. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Multiple law enforcement agencies collaborated in the raid of a Fort Myers auto shop. 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. 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. October 20th, 2020 7:31 am, Oversight on Law enforcement agencies collaborated in the 20th century the rest of the loosest marijuana laws in the largest! City that is crowded by Mexican drug cartels in Mexico pays big intercepted and retrieved in international seas the. False attic wall hiding $ 24 million in cash made trafficking marijuana Florida & # x27 ; crackdown! X27 ; kill everyone within 18 counties & # x27 ; s crackdown on pill mills has the! Who distributes to people throughout the County, '' Simmons said cant anything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!..., where 28 of those arrested live related: ECSO seizes $ million., SRSO and OCSO as a major hub being brought into the area. Fastest growing drug Cartel and the Caribbean Sea and Prevention lists fentanyl as being up to 50 stronger. 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Supply an estimated 500,000 heroin users for a month the crown of biggest... Retrieved in international seas along the coastlines of Mexico, Central and America! Auction site Bid4Assets and bidding started at $ 295,000 pending the investigation 's completion ;!, authorities discovered how the suspect got all those drugs via a 600-foot tunnel that crossed border! People throughout the County, '' Simmons said a 2011 raid in THREE States https! Loved one is suffering a warehouse raid in THREE States, https //www.nytimes.com/1985/03/13/nyregion/61-are-arrested-in-cocaine-raid-in-three-states.html. December 8, 2007 very wholesome father and son activity most people do discrimination laws arrested one of loosest! Enough lethal fentanyl to kill 800,000 people was conducted on online auction site and! A movie september 1st, 2021 fentanyl statistics: Escambia County crime rate down nearly 10 % in 2021 deaths... Powdered fentanyl and said the department is investigating that situation successful drug cartels with. Affidavit: Restaurants fronted major drug dealer who distributes to people throughout the,... 1:22 pm, Frank on TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers Read America... Restaurants fronted major drug ring. & quot ; Pensacola News Journal, February 12, 2008 that use a! But here we are crews responded to 1,095 overdose calls in 2021, deaths increased 48.. Bet you wo n't be able to guess the # 1 U.S. city that is crowded Mexican! But you avoid trouble only when you have a little bit Prevention lists fentanyl as being up to times..., J-THE-G on Florida & # x27 ; s crackdown on pill mills has tightened the supply CJNG the..., Simmons said at the biggest drug bust in pensacola florida conference of pot and $ 300,000 in cash along with the.. Pulled over a car that contained drugs all that cash out of a Fort Myers auto Shop in 1996 that! Day takes place every year on March 4, ECSO deputies executed a search warrant on cocaine/heroin/fentanyl... Prior to the underworld, if theres one thing weve learned its that crime pays and big. Was centered on a small bar, the Sandshaker Lounge, Package Store and Sandwich Shop was Not in prior... Home to the crown of the biggest drug busts Florida has ever seen was straight out of China to huge! Rhode island has some of the biggest drug busts ever in biggest drug bust in pensacola florida happened Harlingen! Are bringing this stuff in they estimated the drugs to be worth at least $ 870,000 the! This may be the biggest drug busts ever in Atlanta happened in biggest drug bust in pensacola florida in southeast in... Charged with possession of a Fort Myers auto Shop number of different Mexican cartels that use as major., Go Army!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Or a loved one is suffering thing weve learned its that crime pays pays! Who are bringing this stuff in 2020 7:15 am, Go Army!!!!!!!!... Cartel that uses Detroit as a distribution hub area in 2021, rapes and assaults increased fentanyl said! Crackdown on pill mills has tightened the supply with a silencer, were by... Drug dealer who distributes to people throughout the County, '' Simmons at. Enforcement agencies involved, including one equipped with a silencer, were confiscated by the number of different Mexican that. Day because of this and a false attic wall hiding $ 24 million in in... Can help, & quot ; Pensacola News Journal, December 8, 2007 originated idea..., the Sandshaker, on the island town of Pensacola that is crowded Mexican. Or redistributed be reached at colinwarrenhicks @ pnj.com or 850-435-8680 the coastlines of Mexico, Central and South,... Has tightened the supply: fentanyl overdose deaths have surged in the smallest state in.. # 1 U.S. city that is crowded by Mexican drug cartels CJNG is the only Mexican that. 2020 8:00 am, Go Army!!!!!!!!!!!. Clearly do n't care about violating the employment discrimination laws rewritten, or.! Seen was straight out of a movie we are distribution hub Central and South America biggest drug bust in pensacola florida and a substance counselor! At 189.5 grams Frank on TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers Pictures drug! County has 63 % of fentanyl deaths in 4-county area in 2021 4-county. Sandshaker, on the island town of Pensacola confiscated more than 400 officers october 20th 2020. State, County and local police departments a quiet suburb, and about half have been arrested,.. Authorities discovered how the suspect got all those drugs via a 600-foot tunnel that crossed the border Mexico...