TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — In a major blow to drug trafficking in Central Florida, 19 individuals have been charged in connection with a large-scale fentanyl and cocaine operation, officials announced Monday. The bust led to the seizure of over six pounds of fentanyl, four pounds of cocaine, nine firearms, and $50,000 in cash — with a total street value exceeding $1.5 million.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, Florida Department of Law Enforcement Deputy Commissioner Shane Pollard, and Orange County Sheriff John Mina detailed the results of the operation, which stemmed from an investigation into a multi-state trafficking network. Officials said the drugs originated from California and Mexico (fentanyl) and Puerto Rico (cocaine).
The SAFE Grant program, designed to bolster local law enforcement efforts against fentanyl, funded much of the investigation. Uthmeier noted the program has resulted in over 1,500 arrests and 170+ kg of fentanyl seized in the past year.
Out of the 19 suspects, 17 have already been arrested, while two remain at large. All individuals face serious drug trafficking charges, including conspiracy, with mandatory minimum sentences ranging from 15 to 25 years.
Arrested Individuals:
Juan Carlos Oquendo
Luis Perez Guzman
Kendrick Butler
Jose Rodriguez
Wilfredo Hernandez
Denniz Andino, Jr.
Edward De La Cruz Perez
McKenzie Debardeleben
Anamaria Carrasquero
Luis Galarza
Herman Toledo
Xuxa Sanes
Brian Nazario
Molly Wilson
Juan Gonzalez
Nolan Lavery, III
Jose Ortiz
Still at Large:
David Santana
Valerie Multari
Uthmeier praised law enforcement, saying: “We’ve got the best law enforcement in the country. There’s no doubt about that.”
