The massive bust was a collaboration between Carroll County, New Hampshire and Maine. Police arrested Strawder on charges of armed drug trafficking, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance and felon in possession of a firearm. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Julius Lane, 34, Hillsborough County House of Correction, charged with sale of a controlled drug (3 counts); Tommy Rodgers, 29, Middleton County Jail, Middleton, Mass., charged with sale of a controlled drug (2 counts). The county used attorney Michael Moore, the former Mississippi attorney general, to file suit in 2018 against 14 companies, alleging drug manufacturers helped cause the addiction crisis and violated Floridas Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act by aggressively marketing opioid drugs, overplaying their benefits in treating chronic pain and downplaying their dangers. The premises were managed and controlled by Cicciu and made available for others to unlawfully store, distribute, and use controlled substances. And then, in the summer of 2021, history nearly repeated itself when someone in her immediate family had a similar scare, and according to Snelling, came very close to death but miraculously survived. The one that is causing the most destruction and death is definitely fentanyl, and people are getting that in their drugs, and theyre not even aware of it.. Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. TAMPA, Fla. A Tampa man is in jail facing several drug-related charges after a joint investigation between the Tampa Police Department and Hillsborough County In the more recent case, the family member impacted had no idea they had ingested fentanyl. There were some times throughout the early 2000s and into the 2010s that were not really pretty for our society.. To think of losing anyone in your family over a drug is, you know, its just awful, and it can cause nightmares, and it makes you worry constantly, said Snelling. DeSantis v. Disney: Who has the edge in a long, drawn-out fight? The goal of S.O.S. TAMPA Hillsborough County for decades has offered treatment in lieu of jail or prison for some defendants accused of minor drug It was right before Christmas, she remembered. Duringinclement weather, please check wmur closings/delays. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph. Her hope is that things do get better next year to prevent more families from experiencing what she did twice: a brother shell never get back and another family member who almost became one of more than 100,000. This is particularly so when the product that the company manufactures, distributes and sells is a narcotic.. "Their distribution of these deadly drugs heroin and fentanyl resulted in the overdose and deaths of one individual and serious bodily injury of another individual," said Michael Sinacore, Asst. Our goal, as the operation name explains, is to intercept individuals, involved in sexual exploitation before they are able to take advantage of vulnerable individuals, andultimately, to deter others.". The massive bust was a collaboration between Carroll County, New Hampshire and Maine. I was actually at Universal Studios. The county eventually will receive its share of the proceeds through the state of Florida. This was the 59th grow house bust of the year, according to the Hillsborough Sheriffs Office. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY Deputies busted their 59th grow house of the year when they Read More They were accused of trafficking in Fentanyl after a search warrant was executed at a St. Petersburg motel, the Pinellas Sheriffs Office said. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) Six men in Hillsborough County are accused of exploiting drug addiction to force women into prostitution. ", According to authorities, including Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, the traffickers pushed heroin and the deadly synthetic drug fentanyl into the region, causing at least one death. The purpose is to get much needed resources on the ground to help with treatment, abatement, and prevention of addiction.. Ellen Snelling, with the Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance, has lived the record-breaking spike of overdose deaths, Devastated by drug overdoses, Tampa advocate prays deadly spike will end in 2022. The suit was filed in Pasco County and targeted some of the same defendants listed in Hillsboroughs suit. Snelling shared data with ABC Action News that shows, in the past few years, the spike in overdose deaths in Hillsborough County now exceeds the annual count of traffic fatalities, homicides, and suicides. Download our app, California Consumer Limit the Use of My Sensitive Personal Information, California Consumer Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, 11 charged in drug bust headed by FBI and Dept. 35 arrested after multiple drug busts across Maine, New Hampshire border. Dawna Gantvoort, 45, charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, methamphetamine and controlled substance. Overview. No company should ever place its desire for profits above the health and well-being of its customers or the communities where those customers live, the county lawsuit stated. Drug trafficking endangers our community in many different ways, said U.S. Attorney Young. The Hillsborough County Commission is scheduled to vote Wednesday on a resolution and accompanying memorandum of understanding to begin the process of settling its claim. 47 indicted in hefty Capital Region drug bust led by Attorney General. Bruins' season ends in Game 7 loss to Panthers, Maine veterans experience hero's welcome after first Honor Flight trip of the year, Many Maine towns see inches of rain during strong spring storm, Many Maine towns see inches of rain during spring storm, Portland man leads police on hour-long chase; now faces charges in connection with domestic violence incident, Traffic stop leads to drug bust in Lewiston; man out on bail found with more than $2K in suspected drug proceeds, Maine State Police confiscate almost 2 oz of cocaine from truck; driver arrested, 3 people from Maine charged for meth; MDEA seizes $60k in drugs, Two Maine men found passed out in running car charged with trafficking fentanyl, other drugs. Like any major sporting event, the Super Bowl should not be a venue where these types of crimes occur on the sidelines, whether it's before, during, or after the game,said Sheriff Chronister. All of those things have to be addressed, Snelling concluded. As a practicing pharmacist, Ive watched this epidemic play out first hand. The goal of the so called "Cross-Border Initiative" was to catch individuals distributing heroin, fentanyl, opioids, and other illicit drugs. 2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. Authorities did not release much information because they said more arrests and indictments could be coming and they didnt want to compromise this case. Police seized fentanyl, meth, firearms, and more than $5,000. The purpose of this litigation is not to create some kind of windfall for government, said White. The Public Affairs Office disseminates The way the world is right now that one pill if it is not from your doctor prescription from your pharmacy youre taking a huge chance with your life," she added. It really is almost incomprehensible how extensive the epidemic is, and its hitting us right here in the Tampa Bay area, she said. From December 7, 2020, through January 9, 2021, HCSO detectives worked undercover posting online ads offering to meet up and make themselves available to be purchased for sex. It could result in future settlements, according to a memorandum to commissioners. of Justice, Authorities said trafficking took place in Tampa, Kissimmee, At least one person died of an overdose and others were sickened. Its almost like you cant comprehend it, said Snelling. The HCSO Public Affairs Office is one of the busiest law enforcement public information offices in the state of Florida. Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect. Police served a search warrant on Cody Graves' home on May 20 and found methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and a gun inside his home. Monitoring data trends helps assess increases or decreases and aids in targeted prevention opportunities for those most at risk. The heroin and fentanyl was trafficked throughout Tampa and Kissimmee, officials said. 4 grams of heroin. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Im happy with the settlement, Commissioner Stacy White said Monday. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Separately, the countys litigation against Purdue Pharma the maker of OxyContin and Dilaudid retailers Walgreens and CVS and seven other companies continues. When county officials announced the lawsuit in 2018, they shared data showing Hillsborough reported 579 babies born addicted to drugs the most among Floridas 67 counties, according to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. Her brother died of a drug overdose in Miami. Three months before Hillsborough filed its suit, then-Attorney General Pam Bondi announced she had filed the most comprehensive lawsuit in the country against the largest manufacturers and distributors of opioids, blaming them for creating an opioid crisis that has killed more than 10,000 Floridians. Request services from Hillsborough County online 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week 24/7 online development permitting solution. In 2016, she got the unexpected phone call no one ever wants. A murder case without a body? The data also shows that in the first six months of 2020, in Hillsborough County, 1,338 calls across all EMS/Fire Rescue were opioid overdose calls treated with Narcan a medicine that rapidly reverses the effects of an overdose compared to 732 in the same six month period in 2019. ", Tampa Bay Florida's #1 Hit Music Channel and home of The joe Show. The 11 defendants each face federal charges ofconspiracy and drug distribution. 349 grams of powder cocaine. On January 11, National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, Sheriff Chad Chronister announced the results of a month-long operation aimed at targeting and deterring human trafficking in Hillsborough County. The suspected drug traffickers have been arrested and accused of targeting Tampa Bay and Central Florida. WebThe National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general The counts of conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine carry a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a maximum fine of $10 million. 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 Booking Details name OQUENDO,FELICITY dob 2003-09-30 age 19 years old height 4'11 hair BRO Renee Delgado-Razo, 29, possession of methamphetamine and firearm with an altered serial number. 47 indicted in hefty Capital Region drug bust led Top Stories / Jun 24, 2021 / 04:38 PM EDT. Police arrested and charged Graves with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and operating a drug house. "Todays announcement is a resounding message," said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. Florida students rally to be heard in education debate, Pinellas judge denies defendants use of medical marijuana, suggests Xanax instead, Blogger must say if he was paid to publish posts about candidate, judge rules, Disney sues DeSantis, saying it is victim of retaliation. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. A three-month-long investigation by the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office last year led to the rescue of five victims from an alleged sex trafficking ring. The six men were also charged with racketeering under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), which can enhance the penalties. 273 grams of crack cocaine. "When it comes to drug and drug-related crimes in our community, our deputies work tirelessly to find the source of the problem, and through investigations like this one, generate big results," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. Get notified on your phone in the morning with the latest forecast and news to start your day. The collaborative effort started between six to twelve months ago, police said. RELATED: Portland man leads police on hour-long chase; now faces charges in connection with domestic violence incident, RELATED: Traffic stop leads to drug bust in Lewiston; man out on bail found with more than $2K in suspected drug proceeds, RELATED: Maine State Police confiscate almost 2 oz of cocaine from truck; driver arrested, RELATED: 3 people from Maine charged for meth; MDEA seizes $60k in drugs, RELATED: Two Maine men found passed out in running car charged with trafficking fentanyl, other drugs, Example video title will go here for this video. Additionally, the SAMHSA National Helpline for those seeking help is 1-800-662-4357. Should I tell my neighbors to stop skinny dipping? Want more of our free, weekly newslettersinyourinbox? 2022 is going to be my prediction, and I mean Im just praying and hoping that thats the year were going to start turning this around," she said. Residents Snelling said the Tampa Bay area is generally well-suited with a myriad of drug treatment programs, but she believes more can be done regionally and nationally, including better education starting at an earlier age, more funding for treatment and prevention, better access to quick treatment, and stronger border security to better prevent the flow of fentanyl from Mexico. Some of the arrests were made for non-drug related offenses, such as probation and bail violations. We know from past experiences with major sporting events that there will be some who travel for the exclusive purpose of taking advantage of women and children. Frequently requested statistics for: Hillsborough County, Florida. Complete this form to report the marketing, sale or manufacture of synthetic drugs. After executing the warrant, officers located a baggie of fentanyl and an apparent drug ledger. By allowing dangerous drug dealers to do business inside his building, this defendant jeopardized public safety and broke the law. CONCORD - Michael Cicciu, 42, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday to one count of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today. Specifically, on eight separate occasions between October 22, 2019 and November 20, 2020, Manchester police detectives executed search warrants at the residence that resulted in the arrests of people renting rooms from Cicciu who were distributing and using heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine and crack cocaine. The Capital District Reptile Expo returns! Download it here. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. As part of his plea agreement, he has agreed to forfeit his interest in the property, which is located on East High Street in Manchester. Eric Williams, 36, Charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine, giving false name to law enforcement, outstanding warrant for trespass, larceny with relation to utility. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY Deputies busted their 59th grow house of the year when theyRead More Pinellas Sheriff Charges Three in Drug Trafficking Case They were East Greenbush to begin enforcing lowered speed limits, Over 3k guns turned in during statewide gun buyback, 14 people hospitalized from collapsed roof, 05/01/2023: Exercise for your umbrellas and wipers. All Rights Reserved. Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren announced in a news conference Thursday the creation of a program designed to expand the rehabilitative options available to low-level drug offenders. Female detectives posed as prostitutes on the streets. TAMPA, Fla. Federal prosecutors have indcited 11 people on drug trafficking charges after a two-year investigation. Most of the arrests involved drug activity, including charges for possession, sales, conspiracy to sell narcotics, destruction of evidence, felony possession of a firearm, child abuse, receiving stolen property, falsifying evidence, theft, and violation of bail, all being drug related and involving fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, meth, and marijuana. @bn9 pic.twitter.com/Lg3shh5nQ9. Deputies found significant amounts of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and other drugs, along with firearms and more than $30,000 in cash inside the hotel rooms, said police. On January 11, National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, Sheriff Chad Chronister Police searched several rooms under Strawder's name under a search warrant. Federal prosecutors indicted eleven people on drug trafficking charges. 100 bags In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts. Morbidity and mortality due to substance use, misuse, and overdose have been rising steadily over the past two decades. In 2018, Cicciu purchased a residential building in Manchester. By Dave Jordan Hillsborough County PUBLISHED 12:10 PM ET Sep. 03, 2020 TAMPA, Fla. Federal prosecutors have indcited 11 people on drug trafficking charges The exact amount of the payout isnt yet known, but the countys outside legal team estimated Hillsborough could net $50 million to $60 million, according to formulas established for computing damages. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth. "With less than a month until the big game,our covert operations continue,seeking those who choose to sexually exploit others here in our community,said Sheriff Chad Chronister. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. More than 3,500 governments, including the state of Florida, filed similar suits which were consolidated in federal court in Ohio where the settlement was reached. Snelling said fentanyl, a powerful opioid that often contaminates other drugs, was to blame in both cases. According to the data, fentanyl analogs are now the most common drugs found in overdose victims. Its devastating: Castro County estimates 18,000 Rain likely. Learn More. Seven other people were arrested on drug charges in connection with this case: To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to [email protected]. Largo lawyers death part of uncommon trend. Published Oct. 29, 2020. The Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administrations Tampa office worked together on the investigation, dubbed Operation POLK COUNTY, Fla. A wiretap investigation that spanned about nine months helped lead deputies to a countywide drug bust in Polk County. AIKEN COUNTY, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) -- Thirteen people are under arrest in Warrenville after a drug bust Tuesday. Right now, so many families are being devastated nationwide. HILLSBORO, OH (FOX19) - Seven people have been arrested after a drug bust in Highland County. At about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, the Hillsboro Police Department deployed the Hillsboro/Greenfield Special Response Team to execute two search warrants at different locations in the city. This started as early as 2016 and continued well into August of this year. Specifically, on eight separate occasions between October 22, 2019 and November 20, 2020, Manchester police detectives executed search warrants at the residence that resulted in the arrests of people renting rooms from Cicciu who were distributing and using heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine and crack cocaine. Services for pregnant women and inmates, education, treatment programs, expanding social services, training for first responders and others efforts are some of the uses identified by the memorandum to be considered by commissioners. Hillsborough Countys share of an opioid litigation settlement could reach $60 million for treatment, prevention and other efforts to combat the decades-long addiction crisis. This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.). WebIn response, Hillsborough County adopted an ordinance to prohibit the possession, use, sale, distribution, production, or manufacture of synthetic drugs. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, includes a list of programs available in our area. Floridas dental deserts leave millions without access to oral care, Floridas graduating seniors shouldnt face different rules | Letters, No charges filed in the shooting death of 19-year-old University of Tampa student, Hillsborough announces details of opioid lawsuit, South Dakota motorcycle rally carries COVID cases across 5 states. Sheriff Chronister said during Monday's announcement, by continuing to conduct undercover operations targeting Johns, his hope is that both residents and visitors of Hillsborough County the week of the big game, including those traveling specifically to engage in human trafficking, will learn in advance that Hillsborough County has a zero-tolerance for such activity. That statistic not only alarms Snelling as someone whos lived through the crisis but also as someone who battles it daily as the board chair of the Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance. Investigators say they were trafficking heroin and fentanyl in Tampa and Kissimmee. They could face penalties ranging from five years up to life in prison. On one of these occasions, officers also located several assault-style weapons, a handgun, and brass knuckles. The suspects, Iwant to make it very clear, ifyou are planning to engage in the sexual exploitation of others, Im urging you to think twice. TAMPA, Fla. For Ellen Snelling, its still so surreal. Indictments were handed down last month and the arrests were made this week. It happened at a home on the 200 block of Carline Road. Motorcyclist Recovering After Crashing Into Clearwater Police Vehicle, Broadband Internet Coming To Rural Areas Of Hillsborough, Pasco County, Wimauma Infant's Death Ruled Homicide; Mother Charged With Murder, Salute To Scholars Scholarship Applications Open, AI Workshop: How Top-Producers and Non Techie Realtors Can Grow their Biz, 2-Year-Old Daughter Of Bucs Linebacker Shaquil Barrett Drowns Sunday, Bloomingdale-Riverview Area: 5 Freshest Homes For Sale, Gator Rescued In Philly, Manatee Center Breaks Ground: FL Good News. Published Jul. The Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance website includes a list of programs available in our area.