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.". 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. Indictments were handed down last month and the arrests were made this week. 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. As a practicing pharmacist, Ive watched this epidemic play out first hand. This is the result of a twi-year investigation. Some of the arrests were made for non-drug related offenses, such as probation and bail violations. Dozens of people have been indicted in the bust of a major narcotic trafficking ring that operated on Long Island, including from out of two day care centers, The counts of conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin carry a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a fine of $5 million. TAMPA Hillsborough County for decades has offered treatment in lieu of jail or prison for some defendants accused of minor drug Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. It was right before Christmas, she remembered. 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 11 defendants each face federal charges ofconspiracy and drug distribution. In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorneys Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua. Philip Mathis, 25, charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. 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. Drugs, guns, and money seized. Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. 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. BLOOMINGDALE-RIVERVIEW Nine people face drug charges after heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and $30,000 cash was seized during police searches, officials said. And got a phone call that he had overdosed and died I just I cant describe how it was just horrible.. 35 people were arrested earlier this week after a drug distribution investigation between police departments and officials in New Hampshire and Maine. 4 grams of heroin. 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. 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 2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. Published Jul. 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. Snelling said fentanyl, a powerful opioid that often contaminates other drugs, was to blame in both cases. ", 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. Download it here. 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. TAMPA, Fla. Federal prosecutors have indcited 11 people on drug trafficking charges after a two-year investigation. 2023 NEWS CENTER Maine. Her brother died of a drug overdose in Miami. There were some times throughout the early 2000s and into the 2010s that were not really pretty for our society.. A month-long investigation by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office led investigators to a 28-year-old Riverview man who sold drugs from his home, authorities said in a press release. Police served a search warrant on Cody Graves' home on May 20 and found methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and a gun inside his home. The massive bust was a collaboration between Carroll County, New Hampshire and Maine. In addition, there were 916 non-fatal opioid-related hospital emergency room visits and 450 hospitalizations in the county during the first nine months of 2020. 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. Please note that new Connecticut county level geographies are not availabe within the map. The collaborative effort started between six to twelve months ago, police said. Police say more arrests are expected and that further joint efforts are planned. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has installed permanent drug drop-boxes at four of its patrol district offices. Police seized fentanyl, meth, firearms, and more than $5,000. The Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance website includes a list of programs available in our area. The goal of S.O.S. Get notified on your phone in the morning with the latest forecast and news to start your day. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. 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. 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 The premises were managed and controlled by Cicciu and made available for others to unlawfully store, distribute, and use controlled substances. Low 46F. 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. 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. When consumed, these drugs Winds E at 10 to 15 mph. Back in November, the CDC announced that drug overdose deaths across the nation topped 100,000 from April 2020 to April 2021, which is a record-breaking amount. Booking Details name OQUENDO,FELICITY dob 2003-09-30 age 19 years old height 4'11 hair BRO 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. 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. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY Deputies busted their 59th grow house of the year when theyRead More Pinellas Sheriff Charges Three in Drug Trafficking Case They were Mother's Day Giveaway: Win a $2,500 Gift Card to Gold & Diamond Source! 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 the Android Weather app from Google Play, Tornado in Virginia Beach destroys homes, causes, Take part in the fifth NYS Canalway Challenge, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. In the more recent case, the family member impacted had no idea they had ingested fentanyl. Ashley Purvis, 30, charged with conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine. Complete this form to report the marketing, sale or manufacture of synthetic drugs. Frequently requested statistics for: Hillsborough County, Florida. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Rabuck assisted with the forfeiture portion of the case. The investigation lasted two years and it was a joint investigation between the FBI, The Department of Justice, Tampa Police and the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office. 273 grams of crack cocaine. Morbidity and mortality due to substance use, misuse, and overdose have been rising steadily over the past two decades. 424 bags of fentanyl. 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. Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. Well deliver the latest news and information you need to know every weekday morning. 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. Heroin, Meth, $30K Seized In Drug Raids; 9 Arrested: Police 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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. The Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administrations Tampa office worked together on the investigation, dubbed Operation In response, Hillsborough County adopted an ordinance to prohibit the possession, use, sale, distribution, production, or manufacture of synthetic drugs. 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. WebIn response, Hillsborough County adopted an ordinance to prohibit the possession, use, sale, distribution, production, or manufacture of synthetic drugs. The suspected drug traffickers have been arrested and accused of targeting Tampa Bay and Central Florida. 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. This is particularly so when the product that the company manufactures, distributes and sells is a narcotic.. According to the data, fentanyl analogs are now the most common drugs found in overdose victims. This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.). 35 arrested after multiple drug busts across Maine, New Hampshire border. Duringinclement weather, please check wmur closings/delays. Its almost like you cant comprehend it, said Snelling. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. We will find you, and you will be arrested. "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. This started as early as 2016 and continued well into August of this year. Subscribe to our free DayStarter newsletter. Police searched several rooms under Strawder's name under a search warrant. 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 arrestreports@patch.com. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. "Todays announcement is a resounding message," said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. Renee Delgado-Razo, 29, possession of methamphetamine and firearm with an altered serial number. Monitoring data trends helps assess increases or decreases and aids in targeted prevention opportunities for those most at risk. 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. 47 indicted in hefty Capital Region drug bust led Top Stories / Jun 24, 2021 / 04:38 PM EDT. Total employment, percent change, 2020-2021-1.7%: Total nonemployer establishments, 2019: 148,720: All employer firms, Reference year 2017: 29,153: Men-owned employer firms, They may contain dangerous chemical compounds. Drug trafficking endangers our community in many different ways, said U.S. Attorney Young. Dawna Gantvoort, 45, charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, methamphetamine and controlled substance. 47 indicted in hefty Capital Region drug bust led by Attorney General. POLK COUNTY, Fla. A wiretap investigation that spanned about nine months helped lead deputies to a countywide drug bust in Polk County. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, includes a list of programs available in our area. The Florida Department of Health reported 208 deaths from opioid overdoses in Hillsborough during the first six months of 2020. The HCSO Public Affairs Office is one of the busiest law enforcement public information offices in the state of Florida. Separately, the countys litigation against Purdue Pharma the maker of OxyContin and Dilaudid retailers Walgreens and CVS and seven other companies continues. Im happy with the settlement, Commissioner Stacy White said Monday. Snellings biggest plea is for those who need help to seek it out quickly. Manchester, NH (03109) Today. 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. A total of 71Johns, or sex buyers, were arrested and charged with soliciting another to commit prostitution or entering/remaining in a place for prostitution. Should I tell my neighbors to stop skinny dipping? (Dave Jordan, Spectrum News staff). Its devastating: Castro County estimates 18,000 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. Cicciu is scheduled to be sentenced on August 25, 2022. Tampa, FL 33602. Police arrested and charged Graves with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and operating a drug house. 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. In 2016, she got the unexpected phone call no one ever wants. Authorities did not release much information because they said more arrests and indictments could be coming and they didnt want to compromise this case. It really is almost incomprehensible how extensive the epidemic is, and its hitting us right here in the Tampa Bay area, she said. Investigators say they were trafficking heroin and fentanyl in Tampa and Kissimmee. Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. 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. The goal of the so called "Cross-Border Initiative" was to catch individuals distributing heroin, fentanyl, opioids, and other illicit drugs. 349 grams of powder cocaine. "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. DeSantis v. Disney: Who has the edge in a long, drawn-out fight? ", Tampa Bay Florida's #1 Hit Music Channel and home of The joe Show. AIKEN COUNTY, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) -- Thirteen people are under arrest in Warrenville after a drug bust Tuesday. 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. Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect. The massive bust was a collaboration between Carroll County, New Hampshire and Maine. 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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. Iwant to make it very clear, ifyou are planning to engage in the sexual exploitation of others, Im urging you to think twice. Times staff. Register to receive time-sensitive messages about emergencies and certain non-emergency events straight from us to you. Police say they seized approximately 250 grams of fentanyl, a quantity of meth, several firearms, and more than $5,000. Back in November, the CDC announced that drug overdose deaths across the nation topped 100,000 from April 2020 to April 2021, which is a record-breaking amount. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) Six men in Hillsborough County are accused of exploiting drug addiction to force women into prostitution. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth. According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 31, 2020, Manchester police detectives obtained a state search warrant for Ciccius residence based on surveillance and post-arrest statements from both buyers and suppliers of drugs. 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. You know, I know the devastation it causes to a family.. On January 11, National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, Sheriff Chad Chronister Female detectives posed as prostitutes on the streets. of Justice, Authorities said trafficking took place in Tampa, Kissimmee, At least one person died of an overdose and others were sickened. Thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement partners, he has now been held responsible for his crimes.. The Public Affairs Office disseminates 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. 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. Right now, so many families are being devastated nationwide. "I will not tolerate this illegal acitivity, and I can assure you the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office will continue to invest the time needed to identify all the players and dismantle their operation.". Federal prosecutors indicted eleven people on drug trafficking charges. US Attorney. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. In 2018, Cicciu purchased a residential building in Manchester. The suspects, 22, 2016. The heroin and fentanyl was trafficked throughout Tampa and Kissimmee, officials said. Police arrested Strawder on charges of armed drug trafficking, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance and felon in possession of a firearm. Abuse of synthetic drugs such as bath salts and synthetic marijuana has become an epidemic. Residents The Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance website includes a list of programs available in our area. They could face penalties ranging from five years up to life in prison. Friday, Jan. 24, 2020. The suit was filed in Pasco County and targeted some of the same defendants listed in Hillsboroughs suit. 9 grams of fentanyl. The proceeds will finance treatment programs and other efforts to combat addiction. 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 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. 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.

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