South Florida – Law enforcement agencies in South Florida have successfully executed Operation Trackside, a major takedown of a drug trafficking organization operating across Palm Beach County and Broward County, seizing narcotics, cash, firearms, vehicles, and arresting multiple individuals involved in large-scale drug operations.
Massive Seizures in Multi-Agency Operation
The 14-month investigation, spearheaded by the Boynton Beach Police Department in collaboration with federal and state agencies, uncovered the trafficking of fentanyl, cocaine, and oxycodone. Authorities reported the seizure of 5,027 grams of narcotics, $452,026 in cash, six handguns, two semi-automatic rifles, eleven vehicles, and one boat.
“Drug traffickers who push poison like cocaine and fentanyl into our communities are profiting off the death of Floridians,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier.
“In Florida, the consequences are simple—if you buy or sell illicit drugs, our Statewide Prosecutors will ensure you spend a long time behind bars.”
Coordinated Multi-Agency Effort
The investigation involved numerous agencies, including:
- U.S. Marshals Service
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement
- Florida Highway Patrol
- Local law enforcement from Palm Beach, Broward, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale
Seventeen search warrants were executed simultaneously this month, leading to arrests and significant seizures. Authorities reported that five individuals remain outstanding and are being actively sought.
Charges and Defendants
The Office of Statewide Prosecution is charging 24 individuals connected to the trafficking organization:
- Garett Deshawn Sutton Jr. – Trafficking Fentanyl (3 felonies), Trafficking Cocaine (2 felonies), Criminal Conspiracy (1 felony)
- Antonio Robinson – Trafficking Cocaine (8 felonies), Conspiracy to Traffic Controlled Substance (2 felonies), Trafficking Oxycodone (1 felony)
- Kira Ezra Jones II – Trafficking Fentanyl (2 felonies), Trafficking Cocaine (1 felony), Criminal Conspiracy (1 felony)
- Tarik Anthony Jarrett – Trafficking Cocaine (4 felonies), Conspiracy to Traffic Controlled Substance (2 felonies)
- Ion Miksa – Obstruction of Justice/Tampering (1 felony), Purchase Controlled Substance (6 felonies)
Additional defendants face charges including trafficking cocaine, conspiracy, and possession with intent to sell. Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Kristi Howe is handling the case, supported by the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (SAFE) program.
Florida’s Broader Fight Against Fentanyl
Florida has implemented multiple statewide initiatives to combat the fentanyl crisis:
- Coordinated Opioid Recovery (CORE) Network – Provides comprehensive addiction treatment including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and connects individuals with long-term recovery resources.
- Stricter Fentanyl Penalties – Mandatory minimum sentences and fines based on the amount of fentanyl trafficked.
These programs aim to disrupt the cycle of addiction and overdose while holding traffickers accountable.
Community Impact and Safety
Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious drug activity. The coordinated efforts demonstrate Florida’s commitment to protecting communities from the dangers of fentanyl and other narcotics.
Conclusion
Operation Trackside represents a major victory for South Florida law enforcement, emphasizing that trafficking deadly substances carries severe legal consequences. The case also highlights the importance of inter-agency collaboration in combatting organized drug networks…