Close Menu
  • Home
  • COMMUNITY NEWS
  • LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS
  • SCHOOL NEWS
  • MILITARY NEWS
  • CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY
  • THINGS TO DO
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • NORTHWEST FLORIDA NEWS
  • FLORIDA NEWS
  • Contact
Facebook
Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
Niceville.com
Niceville.com
Home»FLORIDA NEWS»Florida defendants charged in drug conspiracy tied to gangs, meth, fentanyl
FLORIDA NEWS

Florida defendants charged in drug conspiracy tied to gangs, meth, fentanyl

Niceville.comSeptember 29, 20242 Mins Read
Arrested man in handcuffs with handcuffed hands behind back, jell cell in background
Man in handcuffs following arrest. (File photo)

FLORIDA — Twelve defendants, including multiple Florida residents, have been indicted for their alleged involvement in drug trafficking across Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

Advertisement
A square digital ad for Midbay Veterinary Hospital with multiple dogs of different breeds, a blue veterinary cross logo, Dr. Maya Chapman’s contact information, and a “Click” button for scheduling an appointment.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida (USAO), the charges focus on methamphetamine and fentanyl distribution, with some of the accused reportedly linked to international criminal gangs such as MS-13, Sur-13, and the Mexican Mafia.

The indictment names several Florida suspects, including Luis Portillo, also known as “Shadow,” 35, of Miami, Rafael Gutierrez, also known as “Rafy,” 28, of Miami, Jose Hernandez, also known as “Blue Demon,” 39, of Belle Glade, Malinda Martinez, 42, of Fort Myers, Karina Martinez-Vazquez, 34, of Miami, and Loupe Loredo, also known as “L3g3nd,” 39, of Lake Wales.

The USAO said the defendants are charged with conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

Advertisement

Portillo, Gutierrez, Martinez-Vazquez, Hernandez, and Loredo also face additional charges for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Hugo Cruz, 33, of LaBelle, is also facing similar charges.

The suspects reportedly worked together, along with their co-defendants, to traffic dangerous drugs in the Southern District of Florida.

According to the indictment, several defendants, including Mr Portillo, Mr Gutierrez, and Ms Martinez-Vazquez, are also charged with conspiring to distribute fentanyl, a substance linked to a rising number of overdose deaths in Florida.

Advertisement

The arrests began on Sept. 12, and the defendants have since appeared in federal court.

If convicted, each defendant could face life imprisonment.

U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida made the announcement alongside Anthony Salisbury, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Jeffrey B. Veltri, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Miami Field Office, Christopher A. Robinson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and Gregory Tony, Sheriff of the Broward Sheriff’s Office.

Advertisement
A square digital ad for Midbay Veterinary Hospital with multiple dogs of different breeds, a blue veterinary cross logo, Dr. Maya Chapman’s contact information, and a “Click” button for scheduling an appointment.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bertila Fernandez. The investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation that targets high-level drug traffickers and criminal organizations.

An indictment contains allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Previous ArticleFlorida man sentenced for leading violent cryptocurrency home invasion gang
Next Article Gadsden County tax preparer sentenced for preparing false tax returns

Related Posts

Sign at Panhandle Wildlife Rescue designating patient drop-off area

Freeport rescue center gets $25K to care for orphaned wildlife

June 30, 2025
Top of EmpowerHER Self-Defense flyer featuring logos and event title

Free self-defense class for women, teen girls set for July 12 in Niceville

June 30, 2025
Kutz n’ Kicks back-to-school event logo featuring sneakers, scissors, and stars

Free shoes and haircuts for kids at Aug. 2 giveaway

June 30, 2025
Advertisement
Smiling couple holding Eglin Federal Credit Union Mastercard with promotional rate
Categories
  • COMMUNITY NEWS
  • CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY
  • FLORIDA NEWS
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • IT'S GEEK TO ME
  • LARRY WILLIAMS
  • LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS
  • MARKETPLACE NEWS
  • MILITARY NEWS
  • NORTHWEST FLORIDA NEWS
  • OUTDOORS
  • ROADS / TRANSPORTATION
  • SCHOOL NEWS
  • THINGS TO DO
Advertisement
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
  • EGLIN FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
  • EYEWEAR UNLIMITED
  • HAIR EXPRESS
  • MIDBAY VETERINARY HOSPITAL
  • NICEVILLE FARMERS MARKET
  • NICEVILLE INSURANCE AGENCY
  • RUCKEL PROPERTIES, INC.
  • THE WHARF 850
Advertisement
A square digital ad for Midbay Veterinary Hospital with multiple dogs of different breeds, a blue veterinary cross logo, Dr. Maya Chapman’s contact information, and a “Click” button for scheduling an appointment.
Categories
  • COMMUNITY NEWS
  • CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY
  • FLORIDA NEWS
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • IT'S GEEK TO ME
  • LARRY WILLIAMS
  • LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS
  • MARKETPLACE NEWS
  • MILITARY NEWS
  • NORTHWEST FLORIDA NEWS
  • OUTDOORS
  • ROADS / TRANSPORTATION
  • SCHOOL NEWS
  • THINGS TO DO
Advertisement
Smiling couple holding Eglin Federal Credit Union Mastercard with promotional rate
Advertisement

ABOUT NICEVILLE.COM

PRIVACY POLICY

TERMS OF SERVICE

© 2025 Niceville.com. All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.