LOS ANGELES – The Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division today announced the results of a multi-agency investigation targeting a Sinaloa drug trafficking network operating within the Inland Empire. Operation “Hotline Bling,” which started in early 2023, culminated last week with 15 arrests and significant drug seizures, including methamphetamine...

TAMPA, F la. – U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday sentenced Raul Carbajal (34, Plant City) to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine . Carbajal entered a guilty plea on November 21, 2023 . According...

ORLANDO, Fla. - U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger sentenced E'Chavion Semaj Flewellen (24, Cocoa) to 16 years and 8 months in federal prison for distribution of 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. Flewellen entered a guilty plea on January 4...

JACKSONVILLE, Fla . – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard sentenced Peterson Fils-Aime (37, Orange Park) to 10 years in federal prison for possessing over 5 kilograms of cocaine with the intent to distribute it. Fils-Aime entered a guilty plea on December 12, 2023. According to court records, Fils-Aime was...

TAMPA, F la. – U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell has sentenced Efrain Rivera Matos (45, Tampa) to 12 years and 7 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl charges . Rivera Matos pleaded guilty on December 8, 2023 . According to court documents, on July 27, 2022...

TAMPA, Fla . – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Jesus Andres Villapudua, a/k/a “Chik” (35, San Luis, Arizona), and Noel Alfredo Garcia, (34, Las Vegas, Nevada) with conspiracy to possess and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams...

TAMPA, Fla . –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced that Marcus Lutrell Walden (36 , Winter Haven) has pleaded guilty to distributing methamphetamine and p-fluorofentanyl (a fentanyl analogue) . Walden faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not...

TAMPA, F la. - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced that Raymond Montanez (42, Land O’ Lakes) has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and one count of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine. Each count carries a minimum mandatory term of 5 years...

(LAS VEGAS) – The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has teamed up with NFL Alumni Health ahead of Sunday’s big game to spread its important message, One Pill Can Kill. This outreach and educational opportunity aims to provide greater awareness about fentanyl and fake pills made to look like prescription medications...

TAMPA, F la. – U.S. District Judge Katherine Kimball Mizelle has sentenced Javontah Harris, a/k/a “Gut,” (21, St. Petersburg) to 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine, and possession with the intent to distribute...