TAMPA, Fla. — The Office of Statewide Prosecution is charging 33 individuals in connection with an alleged large-scale fentanyl and cocaine trafficking operation in Hillsborough County, Attorney General James Uthmeier announced.
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According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, those charged were allegedly involved in distributing fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine throughout the Tampa Bay area.
Investigators reportedly seized more than 66 ounces of fentanyl, 73 ounces of cocaine, and eight ounces of methamphetamine during the operation.
“Because of the hard work of our law enforcement partners, enough fentanyl to kill 931,000 Floridians was taken off the streets,” said Mr Uthmeier.
“Let this operation serve as a warning to anyone who dares to sell this poison in Florida: the rule of law will prevail, and you will be found and brought to justice.”
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Fifteen defendants are charged with fentanyl trafficking or conspiracy to traffic fentanyl, while 19 face charges related to cocaine trafficking or conspiracy to traffic cocaine. Three defendants were already incarcerated on unrelated charges.
Others face additional charges, including RICO violations and conspiracy to traffic illegal drugs.
The Office of Statewide Prosecution will prosecute the case. Three suspects remain at large, and authorities said charges are pending against them.
