TAMPA, Fla. — Multiple law enforcement agencies came together on a joint operation that resulted in more than two dozen arrests and the seizure of hundreds of pounds of drug-making material, according to Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, along with Tampa and Clearwater police, began their respective investigations back in January. Both cities' police departments realized they were investigating the same person for his role in trafficking drugs to various organized crime groups.
Once that discovery was made, both agencies applied for a separate SAFE (State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication) grant. The funds from the approved grants helped both agencies use the resources they needed to succeed in their operations, law enforcement said Monday.
"I am proud to say that, today is just another example of how Florida is leading the nation in fentanyl seizures," Moody said while providing some details about the joint operation.
The FDLE also joined the operation, allowing more statewide assistance rather than county-specific. This was important because the investigation ended up spanning three Tampa Bay area counties: Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco.
Last week, law enforcement carried out more than a dozen search warrants, resulting in drugs seized and 25 people arrested. At least three other people have active warrants for their arrest and more arrests could be coming, Moody said.