Multi-Agency Drug Trafficking Investigation Led to Mass Arrests
In January of 2024, Florida’s Polk County Sherriff Grady Judd stated that a multi-agency investigation led to the arrest of 11 people with the capture of 14 kilos of cocaine, 3.5 kilos of bulk fentanyl, and fentanyl pills, along with four firearms, a vehicle and nearly $13,000. This is a large drug bust that shows just how intensely Central Florida takes drug-related crime.
The Operation
In November of 2023, detectives concocted a plan to buy cocaine from Pedro Luis “Bemba” Romero of Kissimmee, who had a criminal record, including robbery and cocaine trafficking. On January 2nd, after various arranged meetups, the officers met Espinosa for a larger amount of cocaine and fentanyl. On this day, Espinosa was arrested after he showed up with 10 kilos of cocaine and two kilos of fentanyl. Many other supporting parties faced charges after this bust.
Similarly, in August 2023, officers met with Luis Salcedo-Rodriguez, aka “Flaco,” to buy kilos of cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl, which was supplied by Roosevelt Colon-Colon, 29, of Poinciana. During the exchange, all six parties were arrested by Polk Sherriff deputies.
Officers state that Espinosa was trafficking drugs between the northwest United States, South Florida, Puerto Price, and Mexico. Judd’s Sheriff’s Office worked alongside the federal, state, and local governments to investigate two drug trafficking rings: Espinosa & Romero Central Florida Drug Trafficking Organization and the Colon-Colon Drug Trafficking Organization. Colon-Colon and Espinosa are facing charges containing the trafficking of cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and more.
Sherrif Judd stated he is “proud” of all who worked hard to take down this extensive drug ring. “We are all working together to fight fentanyl,” he said, “which is killing people by the thousands in the U.S. because of drug overdoses.”
Stay Aware of Drug Risks
In Polk County, many support programs can locally aid and educate residents on the impact of drug misuse. The Polk Substance Abuse Coalition is a community-based group that works together to reduce high-risk behaviors and increase protective factors among citizens in Polk County. You can also call the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to report suspicious activity. Although drug possession, distribution, and trafficking are illegal (especially for dangerous drugs like fentanyl and cocaine), you deserve to have someone defend yourself in court if you are charged. The criminal defense attorneys at The Umansky Law Firm are well-practiced in defending you against drug charges and could help you craft a defense strategy specific to your situation. Call us immediately to learn more.
