LAKE COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — Jartavious Dwyane Coleman, 22, has been arrested following the dismantling of a major drug trafficking operation in Leesburg that led to the seizure of $20,000 in illegal substances and nine firearms, two of which were stolen.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), in collaboration with law enforcement agencies from Leesburg, Clermont, Eustis, Mount Dora, and Groveland, conducted the six-month investigation into the drug trafficking network, which spanned multiple counties in Central Florida.
According to the LCSO, the investigation began after a concerned citizen provided valuable tips, which were followed up with undercover techniques. This led detectives to identify Coleman as the primary suspect in the distribution of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and cannabis across Lake County, Sumter, Marion, and Putnam counties.
The operation culminated in the execution of multiple search warrants, with assistance from SWAT teams, resulting in significant drug seizures, including:
2.5 pounds of methamphetamine
5 ounces of cocaine
1 ounce of fentanyl
4 pounds of cannabis
Various illicit oxycodone pills
In addition to the drugs, authorities also seized nine firearms, two of which were reported stolen. The total street value of the drugs is estimated at $20,000.
Coleman, who was already on probation for possession of cocaine, now faces numerous charges, including:
Conspiracy to commit trafficking in methamphetamine over 200 grams
Trafficking in methamphetamine over 200 grams
Conspiracy to commit trafficking in cocaine
Two counts of trafficking in methamphetamine over 28 grams
Two counts of trafficking in fentanyl over 4 grams
Possession of cocaine with intent to sell
Sale of cocaine
Conspiracy to possess buprenorphine (Suboxone)
Possession of property with knowledge it would be used for drug sales
Two counts of possession of a conveyance for drug trafficking
Possession of methamphetamine
Unlawful use of a two-way communication device
Due to the severity of the charges and his probation status, Coleman was denied bail during his first court appearance.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office stated that eleven arrest warrants have been issued for Coleman and other individuals involved in the trafficking operation, with more warrants still pending.
This operation serves as a major victory for local authorities, dismantling a dangerous drug trafficking network and preventing the distribution of illegal substances across Central Florida.
