OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) announced on September 17 that a years-long investigation called Operation Whipslider has dismantled a drug trafficking organization responsible for transporting cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana into the area.
According to OCSO, the investigation began in 2019 in cooperation with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Investigators identified Taj Tariq Tamboura Robinson as the leader of the group, who was said to have obtained cocaine and fentanyl from Houston, Texas.
The State Attorney’s Office and the Office of Statewide Prosecution assisted in the case. Investigators said three other people were arrested in connection with the group: Lakendrick Ford-Davis, Darrisha Burden, and Mechelle Taylor.
According to OCSO, Ms Burden, acting under the direction of Rashid Robinson, obtained and packaged contraband, including cellphones, tobacco, and controlled substances, for smuggling into a state prison.
Mr Ford-Davis, who was a state correctional officer at the facility where Mr Robinson was incarcerated, reportedly received the contraband from Ms Taylor and delivered it to Mr Robinson inside the prison.
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The investigation led to federal indictments and multiple charges. OCSO listed the following:
- Taj Robinson: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine, 400 grams of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana; distribution of more than 500 grams of cocaine; conspiracy to commit money laundering; possession with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine and 400 grams of fentanyl.
- Rashid Robinson: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine, 400 grams of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana; distribution of more than 500 grams of cocaine; conspiracy to commit money laundering; possession with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine and 400 grams of fentanyl.
- Tyrese Davis: Possession with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl.
OCSO said the investigation is ongoing.
