19 Suspected Drug Traffickers Arrested in Joint Northwest Florida Law Enforcement Operation

NORTHWEST FLORIDA (WKRG) — 19 suspected drug dealers operating out of Fort Walton Beach have been arrested after a joint operation between Northwest Florida law enforcement agencies.

“Together, we are taking criminals off the streets, seizing massive quantities of deadly fentanyl and other deadly drugs,” said Florida Department of Law Enforcement Deputy Commissioner Vaden Pollard.

In addition to drug trafficking, some suspects are charged with homicide, in cases where drugs have caused a person to die from an overdose.

The operation is part of Florida's SAFE program, the state's aid to eradicate fentanyl. The program began in 2023.

“Results from the first year of SAFE cases include the seizure by Florida law enforcement of more than 37 kilograms of fentanyl, 55 kilograms of cocaine, 20 kilograms of methamphetamine, more than 30,000 fentanyl pills, 72 illegal firearms and the seizure of more than $463,000 in proceeds of illegal drug trafficking,” Pollard said.

The SAFE program helps law enforcement combat a problem that significantly impacts Northwest Florida.

“Here in Northwest Florida, we have a per capita overdose death rate that is twice the state average,” said FDLE Special Agent in Charge Chris Williams. “I’ll say it again, it’s double the state average.”

“Fentanyl traffickers don’t care about our communities or the devastation this horrible drug causes to families,” Pollard said. “We do.”

FDLE said the investigation is ongoing and additional homicide and drug charges are pending.