Okaloosa man arrested after searches allegedly uncover drugs, weapons

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. – An Okaloosa County man has been arrested after searches of his home and storage unit by law enforcement officers allegedly found drugs and weapons, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) has announced.

According to the OCSO, an investigation by the agency’s Multi-Agency Drug Task Force, which includes members from the Fort Walton Beach and Crestview Police departments, arrested a Shalimar man on Thursday following the execution of search warrants at his Shalimar home and a Fort Walton Beach area storage unit.

Damian Beltran, 28, of 10th Street in Shalimar, is charged with trafficking in cocaine, nine counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, the OCSO said.

According to the OCSO, the first search warrant was executed by the Drug Task Force on December 7 at a Beal Parkway storage unit reportedly leased by Beltran. That’s where they allegedly found seven firearms with associated ammunition and magazines and vacuum-sealed bags.

The OCSO said the second search warrant took place at Beltran’s home, where deputies allegedly found cocaine, marijuana, and a .45 caliber handgun in a dresser in the master bedroom. A second handgun and ammunition were reportedly located in a closet. Investigators said they also found a small backpack containing approximately $60,000 in cash.

In total, the Drug Task Force located nine firearms, 4,170 grams of marijuana, and 120 Grams of cocaine HCL, along with the stacks of cash, the OCSO said.