Law enforcement network dismantles North Florida drug trafficking operation

Six people are under arrest and charged with involvement in a drug trafficking operation in Florida's Big Bend. These arrests are the result of the Leon County Sheriff's Office and a vast network of law enforcement agencies at the local, state and federal levels.

Law enforcement says they seized large quantities of fentanyl, marijuana, other illegal narcotics, a stolen firearm and cash from illegal drug trafficking.

Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil credits collaboration between agencies, including rural Big Bend counties.

“There's no place these people won't go to try to sell their drugs and, in effect, kill our children,” McNeil said. “And that’s why we created this high-intensity drug trafficking zone. Obviously, that means we've gotten a designation from the federal government that they will also be with us to address these issues.

Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young agreed.

“It’s poison they are spreading on our children,” he said. “And, of course, you associate that with guns?” I mean, it's war in our streets. So we need to do everything we can to make sure we eliminate drugs and guns from our community. Once again, today is a great day. It's really a great day. This is one of many cases that need to be addressed in North Florida.

Most of those arrested face mandatory minimum sentences of 25 years. The case is still ongoing and other people are under investigation.

McNeil has also linked drug crimes to gun violence, and his office is launching the Secure Guns, Save Lives campaign. Since the start of 2024, 102 firearms have been stolen from vehicles in Leon County. So the LCSO is distributing 100 boxes of guns, one per household, which can be claimed at the sheriff's office on Municipal Way until they run out.

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Law enforcement agencies involved in North Florida's HIDTA CADRE initiative: LCSO Vice and Narcotics Unit, State Office of Criminal Prosecutions, Leon County Prosecutor's Office (2nd Judicial Circuit), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Wakulla County Sheriff's Office (North). Star Drug Task Force), the Florida Highway Patrol, the Tallahassee Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.