ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier held a news conference on Monday to announce the dismantling of a major drug trafficking organization.
The collaborative effort, dubbed Operation Burn Baby Burn, culminated in the arrest of 19 individuals linked to the trafficking of fentanyl and cocaine.
The charges against the suspects carry mandatory minimum sentences ranging from 15 to 25 years, ensuring they will be off the streets for a long time.
Sheriff John Mina expressed satisfaction with the outcome.
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“Nothing makes me happier than when we look at these posters and know that our partners at the attorney general’s office of statewide prosecution are going to prosecute these individuals to the fullest extent of the law,” said Mina.
The investigation, which began in September of last year, revealed that the organization was importing fentanyl from California and Mexico, as well as cocaine from Puerto Rico, said Mina.
Authorities seized six pounds of fentanyl and four pounds of cocaine, with a street value exceeding $1.5 million. Additionally, 90 firearms and $50,000 in cash were recovered during the operation.
Uthmeier emphasized the importance of the operation in combating the fentanyl crisis.
“Fentanyl is the most dangerous illicit drug we’ve ever seen. It can kill people in very small amounts, and it’s finding its way into families, into less severe drugs,” said Uthmeier.
According to Mina, the Safe program, which provides funding and resources for investigations, played a crucial role in the successful operation.