OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — A major drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana in Okaloosa County was dismantled after a multi-year investigation by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The operation, dubbed “Operation Whipslider,” identified Taj Tariq Tamboura Robinson as the leader of the organization. Authorities uncovered that Robinson sourced cocaine and fentanyl shipments from Houston, Texas.
Alongside Robinson, three other individuals were arrested: Lakendrick Ford-Davis, Darrisha Burden, and Mechelle Taylor. The investigation revealed their involvement in smuggling contraband—including cellphones, tobacco, and controlled substances—into a state prison.
Darrisha Burden operated under the direction of Rashid Robinson, facilitating the packaging and distribution of illegal items for prison smuggling. Lakendrick Ford-Davis, a correctional officer at the facility where Rashid Robinson was incarcerated, acted as a conduit for contraband delivery from Mechelle Taylor to Robinson inside the prison.
The extensive investigation resulted in multiple federal indictments and the seizure of significant narcotics.
Taj Tariq Robinson faces charges including conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute over 5 kilograms of cocaine, 400 grams of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana, as well as money laundering conspiracy.
Rashid Robinson is charged similarly for his role in the trafficking network. Additionally, Tyrese Davis faces charges for possession with intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl.
The collaborative efforts between the OCSO, DEA, and state prosecutors demonstrate a strong commitment to curbing drug trafficking and related criminal activity within the community.
