DEA announces results in massive statewide opioid sweep
“Operation Cazador” brings in huge amounts of drugs seized, close to 300 arrests
MIAMI – DEA Miami Division Special Agent in Charge Adolphus P. Wright today announced the results of a three-day, statewide enforcement operation targeting opioids. The DEA-led surge brought together hundreds of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies throughout Florida. The operation targeted all levels of opioid distributors in the state.
“DEA recognizes that opioid addiction has eaten away at the fabric of our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Wright. “This three-day opioid sweep demonstrates just how far reaching this problem is, from street level drug traffickers, to mid and high level Mexican drug traffickers and violent street gang members, to pharmacies and doctors diverting legal pharmaceutical drugs for profit. DEA and all of our many law enforcement partners are committed to keeping our communities safe from these insidious drug dealers.”
During the three-day operation, over 290 arrests were made, including arrests of Mexican drug cartel members and violent gang members. DEA seized $3.3 million in assets, including multiple aircraft and a yacht. Law enforcement seized more than 35 weapons, including assault rifles and automatic weapons, and 600 pounds of illicit drugs, including heroin, fentanyl and other dangerous drugs.
DEA inspected and shut down a dozen pharmacies statewide and seized more than 200,000 opioid and other dangerous controlled pills. Several physicians surrendered their ability to dispense controlled substances statewide.
“Interrupting the dangerous flow of opioids throughout the state of Florida is a priority for the Department of Justice and our office,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez. “We will continue to collaborate with our partners, and use every tool in our arsenal to combat the illegal access, distribution and use of these drugs in our communities.”
The success of the DEA-led operation is attributed to all of its many federal, state and local law enforcement partners, as well as the federal, state and local prosecution teams around the state who will ensure that these violent drug offenders go to jail.
If you have any information about drug traffickers in your area, please go to www.dea.gov and click on “Submit a Tip” in the top right hand corner.
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