Pacheco does not have a concealed carry permit for the weapon, according to the report. Traffic stop results in drug bust. Harry, what you doing here? the other man queried. 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. The back door of one was still painted in the companys turquoise color with the word Sears still visible. "Several of the suspects arrested today were arrested previously in this investigation for drug related charges and were released after posting lowered bonds.". Dozens of them were taken into custody and bused to prison, including the six alleged ringleaders. The Smith and Wesson was in the center console of the car, Faison said. On Friday afternoon, Alvarez-Bermudez remained jailed without bond at the Stock Island Detention Center. They were expensive guns. At Least two, he said, had satin steel finish with pearl handles. I never heard about any girlfriend of the lawyers disappearing as another other rumor that is floating thirty years later claims. Whoever loaned his van or truck to a smuggler didnt even have to be there to make $10,000. mso-para-margin-left:0in; 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. The three alleged organizational leaders were identified as Brandon Huff, 35, and Jonathan Walker, 42, both of Cocoa, and Megan Wilborn, 31, of Merritt Island. 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. These werent Saturday night specials, the deputy, said. Harry, he replied. That was one of the scariest nights I ever had. 2: Drug Bust at Haulover Marina. WebTwo men and a woman were arrested on multiple drug violations. WSVN broadcast educational and informational programming for children, and file quarterly reports with the FCC detailing the station's outreach to children. If you have any information about Berumen and if you know of his whereabouts, please call FDLE," Special Agent in Charge Eli Lawson said. At age 71, this Florida Keys man is working steady in the drug-dealing game, police say. They captured 29 smugglers, and only missedtwo who swam away. Both vehicles were pulled over between Mile Markers 32 and 33. The cocaine, wrapped up in 25 packages stuffed in a large sack and found off Nearly $80,000 worth of drugs discovered along the coastline in the #FloridaKeys since start of May. Another was a miniature (three inches long) replica of the old Colt 45. Crime mso-pagination:widow-orphan; 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. 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. Authorities said it the most defendants in a single Keys bust and among the most ever in any Florida bust. 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. A A. MARATHON, Fla. Two Marathon men are facing multiple drug charged, including trafficking in fentanyl, after a Monroe County Sheriff K9 Nelson Alvarez-Bermudez, of Big Coppitt Key, was jailed Thursday after the Monroe County 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. I was with him almost every day during that time and knew the full cast of characters. I was with him at breakfast that morning when he had to leave Mister Jims Restaurant when he heard about the bust on US1 Radio while it was playing in the background. "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. WebFLORIDA KEYS, Fla. (WSVN) The Monroe County Sheriffs Office carried out a drug bust. Authorities said Bell was driving the Lexus and Dyer was the passenger. Two teenage boys, ages 15 and 17, were sitting in the backseat. If you need help with the Public File, call (954) 364-2526. Freeman said he was eager to gain title to the smuggling vehicles for his department. Sergio Galvan was arrested Saturday, too. 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. Fifteen agents from three agencies seized 25,000 poundsof marijuana in the pre-dawn bust on Big Pine Key. Box 713Fisherman Greg Collazo, 25, Gulf Crain HamitFisherman Bernardo Lewis Valiente, 25, 300 East 63rdSt. Dade County residents arrested were: Orlando Vidal Maldonado, 42, 1265 W. Fourth LaneNestor Fernandez, 30, 4572 SW 127th Ct.Coral Fish Market owner Raul Hernandez, 44, 3811 SW88th PlaceRolando Aguiar, 30, 4132 SW 102nd CourtCatalino Rioseco Chambrot, 35, 10351 SW 56th St.Angel Cruz, 29, 2421 SW 129th Ave.Fisherman Carmelo Fernandez, 28, 5472 SW 127th Ct. Drugs seized by the U.S. Border Patrol in Monroe County. WebAt age 71, this Florida Keys man is working steady in the drug-dealing game, police say. mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; David Goodhue covers the Florida Keys and South Florida for FLKeysNews.com and the Miami Herald. Amanda Batchelor, Digital Executive Producer. 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. Stock Island Residents: Fisherman Paco Novalas, 23, 221 Stock Island ApartmentsConstruction worker Ralph Jesus Valdez, 37, 5 SunshineSt.Richard Lee Mungin, 37, No. Join the New Times community and help support The most famous of these were the Big Coppitt cowboys, a lose group of guys with fast boats and police scanners. 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. Officials say they havent been able to destroy it because of a paperwork backlog. I hoped I could talk my way out of there. 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. A major drug operation in the Keys was disrupted Friday, leading to the arrest of six people on multiple drug-related charges. 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. Miami's independent source of Some of the many boats confiscated during the smuggling days and their captured loads are shown below. mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Pacheco told cops the gun belonged to the 17-year-old, who was also arrested and turned over to juvenile justice authorities, Adam Linhardt, sheriffs office spokesman, said. She graduated from Indiana University. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; He said then that he had gone to get his brother Sergio, 40. Make a one-time donation today for as little as $1. 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. 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. They were too many of them and they were too obvious. FLORIDA KEYS, Fla. (WSVN) The Monroe County Sheriffs Office carried out a drug bust. 29. 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. Horace Calhoun, Clarence Moore, Jr. and Shamichael Johnson were all at the apartment and taken into custody. Because the defendants were charged in federal court instead Circuit Court, Customs took the marijuana to Miami saving the sheriffs department the burden of storing it. 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. Web2:09 PM EST, Wed February 24, 2021. 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. Copyright 2022 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved. CAKEGATE 2023: Bad Bunny's Restaurant Accused of Gobbling Birthday Girl's Cake, Neighborhood Nazi Jon Minadeo Peddles Hate by the Minute, Affordable New "Micro-Units" Slated for Little River, Edgewater, Sen. Rubio's Permanent Daylight Savings Bill Sees Light of Day Once More, NFL Legend Ray Lewis Joins World Jai-Alai League Board of Directors. Jul 17, 2021. mso-style-priority:99; (The-CNN-Wire & 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. The individual noticed a large black bundle wrapped in tape & contacted local authorities. it wasnt long before she was racking up drug busts. ; Paco Novalas, 23, 221 Stock Island Apts. {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; See what the rescue teams saw, Retired Navy officer enters Florida Keys undersea lodge. Whats that smell in the Florida Keys? Hes in county jail on Stock Island, and his bond information was not immediately available. Forbes, who's been arrested multiple times, was charged with, among other things, possession of methamphetamine and trafficking eight grams of fentanyl. Authorities said additional deputies were called to the scene along with K9 Coral, who alerted them to drugs in the Lexus and BMW. WebPolice in the Florida Keys arrested two men this week after discovering large amounts of cash, drugs, and illegally harvested lobsters in their vehicle. Good Samaritans found the drugs & notified authorities. They successfully evacuated the building, removed and destroyed the device. 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. WSVN-TVSunbeam Television Corp Huff is being held on $2.5 million bond, while both Walker and Wilborn are being held on just over $900,000 bond. Switchboard: (305) 751-6692 WFTV Detectives said the organization Drug smuggling really took hold and changed lifestyles in the Florida Keys in the 1970s and 80s. At the 11th avenue location, detectives found Marijuana, Oxycontin, crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia and another handgun. The presence of the Sooth Carolina man led officials to speculate that that was the destination of the contraband. Fentanyl, often used to lace other drugs, is considered the deadliest drug in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Normal 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. 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. 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. The sheriffs department already has more than 1,100 bales of pot stored in 16 vehicles under armed guards just outside Freemans office window. "I been to the border twice, so I saw how it's coming in. Inside the bag, deputies found 37 liquid marijuana cartridges used for vaping. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The 30 suspects surrendered peacefully. 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. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The US Coast Guard offloaded more than $500 million worth of cocaine and marijuana in South Florida on Monday. 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. During the wait, the lobby at the department filled with relatives, friends of the arrested men and interested on-lookers. Deputies ran a check on their names and found out they were runaways from Dade, Faison said. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. A 35-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman were arrested following a search of their residence Whos there, the agent was asked in Spanish. In January she also was credited with helping catch a suspected cocaine dealer. Copyright 2023 Local10.com is published by WPLG INC., a Berkshire Hathaway company. A man going out on the smugglers mother ship could make a quick $100,000. Then a Florida Keys condo leader was arrested Updated January 30, 2023 5:55 PM . The canine deputy joined the department about three months ago and on Monday she caught yet another suspected drug dealer. In all, 30 people were charged in U.S. District Courtwith drug trafficking. Nelson (Ping-Ping) Jamarado, 41, the wiry, bearded former boat mechanic who early this year bought a share of Bevis-Lewis Chevrolet Inc. of Key West. I was with five of the 29 the night before in the lawyers Eden Pines home (the lawyer wasnt there) snorting coke, smoking pot and drinking booze and trying to get out of there with my ass in one piece. a whopping$1.4 billion worth of cocaine and weed. There might have been something else,but it escapes me. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. "Twenty-four suspects were arrested but one gang member remains at large: 39-year-old Efren Berumen from Kissimmee, Florida. #news pic.twitter.com/rUf0Etk61f. In addition to charges of possession of more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana trafficking and conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance, which were filed against all 30 defendants, charges of carrying concealed weapons were still pending against several of the men. Colonel Rick Ramsay, who was there when the searches were conducted, said this was a large drug sales operation. The driver was a 43-year-old man from Miami. Two men and a woman were arrested on multiple drug violations. mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; See what the rescue teams saw, Retired Navy officer enters Florida Keys undersea lodge. Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com. They also took at least a half dozen guns, including several satin steel, pearl-handled handguns, and a replica of a Colt .45. Tipsters may remain anonymous. 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. The suspects could face multiple charges ranging from conspiracy and trafficking to racketeer influenced corrupt organization (RICO). Now is the time to talk to your loved ones, especially children. Keys woman facing numerous drug counts after pot smell leads to pills, cocaine. There were kidnappings among that crowd, but that is another story and has nothing to do with this one. Thompson said the 4 a.m. drug bust culminated a four week investigation involving members of the Marathon sheriffs sub-station, U.S. Customs and the Marine Patrol. So the cartels in Mexico are very good about marketing," Staly said. Other than those listed previously, also arrested were: Vincente Jose Martinez, 36, 3817 Northside Ct.; Antonio Sanchez, 54, 1803 Atlantic Blvd. 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. Same as you, waiting, the agent responded. WebA major drug operation in the Keys was disrupted Friday, leading to the arrest of six people on multiple drug-related charges. He said he knew the older boy was missing, but not the younger teen, Faison said. Courtesy U.S. Coast Guard Last week the U.S. Coast Guard seized what it All rights reserved. Miami, FL 33141 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. Among the arrested: Domingo F. Galvan, 44, a registered nurse at Key Wests tiny DePoo Memorial Hospital. 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. 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. WebThe Border Patrol said 73 pounds of cocaine and 62 pounds of marijuana were found between two days. Danielle2.5 Tons Pot250,000 Quaaludes1979, Officers Mark Walker and Doug Smith Sugarloaf Key 1980. Letters to the editor with pictures since 2002. WebNo. pic.twitter.com/ih10AhQAlx. WebOver the years, illegal drugs lots of them have been seized or discovered off Florida's shorelines. This page is compiled mostly from Major Seals scrapbook that he wasgraciousenough to share with us. K9 Coral assisted in the arrest of a Key West woman who faces drug trafficking and possession charges. ~Editor. Get the latest updates in news, food, music and culture, and receive special offers direct to your inbox. We didnt fire a single shot, a Customs agent said. Once the windows were down, Faison said she smelled a strong odor of both burnt and fresh marijuana coming from inside the car. These people were very organized and were selling lots of drugs, he said. Cash in the amount of more than $1,000 was seized as well. RELATED: What is rainbow fentanyl? 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. Authorities said several rolled bills containing a powdery substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamines were found inside of the BMW. A traffic stop on a Mercedes Benz driving with no lights on early Friday morning turned into a much bigger deal for the driver after Florida Keys deputies said they found a large amount of marijuana, two guns and two runaways from Miami-Dade County in the car. 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. 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. Copyright 2023 Local10.com is published by WPLG INC., a Berkshire Hathaway company. Square Grouper is not an un-hip fish. A detour to the Customs incinerators in Miami is probable. Monroe County Sheriff's Office reports the Sheriff's Staly said in Flagler, the age of overdoses range from 18 to 60. mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-para-margin-top:0in; Copyright 2023 Local10.com is published by WPLG INC., a Berkshire Hathaway company. We cannot allow these drugs and the criminals who peddle them to poison our communities and destroy lives," DeSantis said in a statement Wednesday. Published on Big Pine Keys garbage days, Tuesdays and Fridays. The two closed body trucks, both painted white, were former Sears vehicles, authorities said. Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar confirmed that agents have responded to numerous drug wash-ups since the start of the month, seizing about 27 pounds of marijuana and three pounds of cocaine. false Monroe County sheriffs deputies pulled over his four-door Mercedes around 1 a.m. Friday behind the Seagrapes Apartment complex at 7155 Overseas Highway. Monroe County Sheriffs Office deputies were praising K9 Coral on Tuesday. With this operation, we are making a significant dent in the sales of illegal drugs on Stock Island.. The cowboys would jump into their go-fast boats that were kept docked at the seawall next to their house, and zoom out to where the floating bales were. "They're also making counterfeit pills that, they're multiple colors laced with fentanyl, so they're marketing to younger and younger people," Staly said. 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. Deputies say her Toyota Camry had expired tags and that Coral then alerted to drugs in the car. mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; Become a member to support the independent voice of South Florida He is a graduate of the University of Delaware. 0 Copyright 2021 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved. A very special thanks to Major Monty Seals who ran theoperation. The only things of note toever happen here was the Spanish landing in the 1600s, the burningdown of the Big Pine Inn in the 1970 and the Big Pine29 Bust in 1980. However, he dreaded the prospect of storing the marijuana. independent local journalism in Miami. Richard Allen Shank, 31, who drives a Pepsi Cola delivery truck in Key West. Here's One Way to Pay Off Your Debt, Check Your Change! X-NONE This time she alerted deputies to drugs inside a Lexus and a BMW that were pulled over Monday afternoon on Big Pine Key. Last week the U.S. Coast Guard seized what it deemed to be. line-height:115%; 2 Key West, FL 33040 (305) 735-4587 Se Habla Espaol. X-NONE Robert Brown, a convicted felon, along with 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. 29 out of 31 is a pretty good scorefor only 5 men against 32 armed smugglers! Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Tawana Blackman and Leroy Lawson were arrested at that location. He didnt. WebA 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. A police K-9 sniffed out more than six ounces of cocaine inside a car during a traffic stop. Detectives said the organization was obtaining large quantities of drugs from overseas and distributing them throughout Brevard County, which is about 50 miles east of Orlando. Over the years, illegal drugs lots of them have been seized or discovered off Florida's shorelines.