The county used attorney Michael Moore, the former Mississippi attorney general, to file suit in 2018 against 14 companies, alleging drug manufacturers helped cause the addiction crisis and violated Floridas Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act by aggressively marketing opioid drugs, overplaying their benefits in treating chronic pain and downplaying their dangers. Chance of rain 100%. Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect. Drug The premises were managed and controlled by Cicciu and made available for others to unlawfully store, distribute, and use controlled substances. Subscribe to our free DayStarter newsletter. 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. 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. Get notified on your phone in the morning with the latest forecast and news to start your day. 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. Hillsborough nixes gopher tortoise safeguards. United States Department of Justice In 2016, she got the unexpected phone call no one ever wants. of Justice, Authorities said trafficking took place in Tampa, Kissimmee, At least one person died of an overdose and others were sickened. 11 Charged in Investigation Into Drug Ring - baynews9.com The suspected drug traffickers have been arrested and accused of targeting Tampa Bay and Central Florida. It could result in future settlements, according to a memorandum to commissioners. The goal of the so called "Cross-Border Initiative" was to catch individuals distributing heroin, fentanyl, opioids, and other illicit drugs. @bn9 pic.twitter.com/Lg3shh5nQ9. 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.". Drug Disposal | Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance According to the data, fentanyl analogs are now the most common drugs found in overdose victims. Motorcyclist Recovering After Crashing Into Clearwater Police Vehicle, Broadband Internet Coming To Rural Areas Of Hillsborough, Pasco County, Wimauma Infant's Death Ruled Homicide; Mother Charged With Murder, Salute To Scholars Scholarship Applications Open, AI Workshop: How Top-Producers and Non Techie Realtors Can Grow their Biz, 2-Year-Old Daughter Of Bucs Linebacker Shaquil Barrett Drowns Sunday, Bloomingdale-Riverview Area: 5 Freshest Homes For Sale, Gator Rescued In Philly, Manatee Center Breaks Ground: FL Good News. "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. The 11 defendants each face federal charges ofconspiracy and drug distribution. After executing the warrant, officers located a baggie of fentanyl and an apparent drug ledger. The Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance website includes a list of programs available in our area. 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. Hillsborough County Download it here. 273 grams of crack cocaine. (Dave Jordan, Spectrum News staff). Investigators found the man they believe to be his supplier, Beau Strawder, 46, who stayed at the Clarion Hotel on East Adamo Drive in Tampa, police said. Drug "Todays announcement is a resounding message," said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. 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. They could face penalties ranging from five years up to life in prison. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has installed permanent drug drop-boxes at four of its patrol district offices. Tampa man accused of selling drugs laced with fentanyl Hillsborough County, FL Mugshots - BUSTEDNEWSPAPER.COM Learn More. 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. Friday, Jan. 24, 2020. 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. ", 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. 349 grams of powder cocaine. Low 46F. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. 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. 47 indicted in hefty Capital Region drug bust led by Attorney General. 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. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. ", Tampa Bay Florida's #1 Hit Music Channel and home of The joe Show. 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. drug Heroin, Meth, $30K Seized In Drug Raids; 9 Arrested: Police Here's What Bloomingdale-Riverview Moms Really Want For Mother's Day! Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. 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. It happened at a home on the 200 block of Carline Road. 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 matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. 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. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Tampa, FL 33602. Dawna Gantvoort, 45, charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, methamphetamine and controlled substance. Drug Bust | Tampa Bay Reporter A total of 71 individuals were arrested during the course of the investigation dubbed Operation Interception, one of many proactive approaches the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office has taken to combat human trafficking leading up to the Super Bowl coming to Tampa in February 2021. US Attorney. The suspects, Police say they seized approximately 250 grams of fentanyl, a quantity of meth, several firearms, and more than $5,000. Six arrested in drug sweep in greater Nashua area Some of the arrests were made for non-drug related offenses, such as probation and bail violations. 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. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. According to federal prosecutors, the traffickers pushed heroin and the deadly synthetic drug fentanyl into the region, causing at least one death. Bruins' season ends in Game 7 loss to Panthers, Maine veterans experience hero's welcome after first Honor Flight trip of the year, Many Maine towns see inches of rain during strong spring storm, Many Maine towns see inches of rain during spring storm, Portland man leads police on hour-long chase; now faces charges in connection with domestic violence incident, Traffic stop leads to drug bust in Lewiston; man out on bail found with more than $2K in suspected drug proceeds, Maine State Police confiscate almost 2 oz of cocaine from truck; driver arrested, 3 people from Maine charged for meth; MDEA seizes $60k in drugs, Two Maine men found passed out in running car charged with trafficking fentanyl, other drugs. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph. The heroin and fentanyl was trafficked throughout Tampa and Kissimmee, officials said. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY Deputies busted their 59th grow house of the year when theyRead More Pinellas Sheriff Charges Three in Drug Trafficking Case They were Should I tell my neighbors to stop skinny dipping? 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. 2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. Well deliver the latest news and information you need to know every weekday morning. The dollars, to be paid out over 18 years, come from a $26 billion settlement announced last month to end litigation from state and local governments against Johnson & Johnson and three drug distributors Cardinal Health, AmerisourceBergen and McKesson. In 2018, Cicciu purchased a residential building in Manchester. It was right before Christmas, she remembered. 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 Overview We will find you, and you will be arrested. East Greenbush to begin enforcing lowered speed limits, Over 3k guns turned in during statewide gun buyback, 14 people hospitalized from collapsed roof, 05/01/2023: Exercise for your umbrellas and wipers. The massive bust was a collaboration between Carroll County, New Hampshire and Maine. Times staff. 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, Authorities did not release much information because they said more arrests and indictments could be coming and they didnt want to compromise this case. Its devastating: Castro County estimates 18,000 Federal prosecutors indicted eleven people on drug trafficking charges. Eric Williams, 36, Charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine, giving false name to law enforcement, outstanding warrant for trespass, larceny with relation to utility. 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. County drug bust Register to receive time-sensitive messages about emergencies and certain non-emergency events straight from us to you. "We are committed to protecting Hillsborough County. Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. Police served a search warrant on Cody Graves' home on May 20 and found methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and a gun inside his home. Ashley Purvis, 30, charged with conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Police seized fentanyl, meth, firearms, and more than $5,000. 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. 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. Letsgetstarted. Booking Details name OQUENDO,FELICITY dob 2003-09-30 age 19 years old height 4'11 hair BRO Published Jul. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. By allowing dangerous drug dealers to do business inside his building, this defendant jeopardized public safety and broke the law. We will continue to go after people who choose to deal poison in our community. 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. After personal tragedy, advocate hopes drug overdose Latin Kings gang leaders among 21 arrested in 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. HCSO installs drop boxes for unused, unwanted medication Monitoring data trends helps assess increases or decreases and aids in targeted prevention opportunities for those most at risk. The Public Affairs Office disseminates The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth. 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. 2022 is going to be my prediction, and I mean Im just praying and hoping that thats the year were going to start turning this around," she said. Its almost like you cant comprehend it, said Snelling. This was the 59th grow house bust of the year, according to the Hillsborough Sheriffs Office. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY Deputies busted their 59th grow house of the year when they Read More They were accused of trafficking in Fentanyl after a search warrant was executed at a St. Petersburg motel, the Pinellas Sheriffs Office said. 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. On January 11, National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, Sheriff Chad Chronister "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.". Largo lawyers death part of uncommon trend. HILLSBORO, OH (FOX19) - Seven people have been arrested after a drug bust in Highland County. At about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, the Hillsboro Police Department deployed the Hillsboro/Greenfield Special Response Team to execute two search warrants at different locations in the city. 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. Snelling said fentanyl, a powerful opioid that often contaminates other drugs, was to blame in both cases. 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 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. The Hillsborough County Commission is scheduled to vote Wednesday on a resolution and accompanying memorandum of understanding to begin the process of settling its claim. 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 [email protected]. They may contain dangerous chemical compounds. Hillsborough County - Report Synthetic Drugs Iwant to make it very clear, ifyou are planning to engage in the sexual exploitation of others, Im urging you to think twice. Residents The Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance website includes a list of programs available in our area. When consumed, these drugs In the more recent case, the family member impacted had no idea they had ingested fentanyl. The purpose is to get much needed resources on the ground to help with treatment, abatement, and prevention of addiction.. 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. 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. Frequently requested statistics for: Hillsborough County, Florida. Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office Massive Human Trafficking Her brother died of a drug overdose in Miami. Some individuals received additional charges, including drug possession. 47 indicted in hefty Capital Region drug bust led by Attorney General 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. This is particularly so when the product that the company manufactures, distributes and sells is a narcotic.. 35 arrested after multiple drug busts across Maine, New Hampshire border. The Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administrations Tampa office worked together on the investigation, dubbed Operation drug trafficking ring 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. BLOOMINGDALE-RIVERVIEW Nine people face drug charges after heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and $30,000 cash was seized during police searches, officials said.
