Polk County detectives seize enough fentanyl to ‘kill 1,750,000 people’ in multi-agency drug bust
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
TAMPA (WFLA) — Polk County authorities said they seized enough fentanyl to kill 1,750,000 people in a multi-agency bust of two central Florida drug trafficking organizations.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force detectives said they, along with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, investigated two drug trafficking organizations and seized 14 kilos of cocaine, three and a half kilos of fentanyl and fentanyl pills, as well as four firearms, a vehicle, and $12,985 in cash.
In total, 11 people (10 men and one woman) were arrested during the investigations.
I’m proud of our detectives and partner agencies who worked hard to remove 17 ½ kilos of destructive drugs off the streets. We are all working together to fight fentanyl, which is killing people by the thousands in the US because of drug overdoses. These drug traffickers are destroying lives, families and communities. These drugs go hand-in-hand with violence and misery in our communities.
Grady Judd, Sheriff
Espinosa & Romero Central Florida Drug Trafficking Organization
Five of the arrests were made in connection to the Espinosa & Romero Central Florida Drug Trafficking Organization, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
In November 2023, detectives arranged to buy a kilo of cocaine from 56-year-old Pedro Luis “Bemba” Romero of Kissimmee. Romero has a criminal record that includes robbery, trafficking in cocaine, other narcotics violations related to MDMA and cocaine, and federal narcotic violations, according to investigators.
During the arranged sale, 44-year-old Maximo Espinosa of Kissimmee was also present.
Investigators said Espinosa was operating an organized drug trafficking ring between the northeast United States, South Florida, Puerto Rico and Mexico. Espinosa had previously been arrested for federal armed trafficking in heroin.
After a few arranged sales with both individuals, investigators say they met with Espinosa for a larger amount of cocaine and fentanyl on Jan. 2 in Haines City. That day, detectives arrested Espinosa after he showed the 10 kilos of cocaine and two kilos of fentanyl in the trunk of his car.
Three others involved in the transaction were also arrested, including 35-year-old Pedro Mejia of West Palm Beach, and 22-year-old Pedro Olivares of Wimauma, whom investigators say were the fentanyl suppliers. The third, 34-year old Omar Veloz of West Palm Beach, fled the scene in a white BMW and hit an undercover deputy. The deputy was not seriously injured and Veloz was arrested after a pursuit into Winter Haven.
Romero was later arrested by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Espinosa was taken into Federal custody and faces drug trafficking charges.
Veloz, Mejia, and Olivares were arrested and face charges including trafficking fentanyl and possession of drug paraphernalia. Veloz also faces charges of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, fleeing to elude, and resisting arrest.
Colon-Colon Drug Trafficking Organization
Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested six suspects on Dec. 17, 2023.
In August 2023, investigators said they learned of 45-year-old Luis Salcedo-Rodriguez, aka “Flaco,” who was linked to drug trafficking in Polk County.
Undercover detectives met with Salcedo-Rodriguez, who they say offered to sell them kilos of cocaine, heroin and fentanyl.
During the investigation, detectives say they learned the cocaine was supplied by Roosevelt Colon-Colon, 29, of Poinciana.
During an arranged sale, investigators say they met with Salcedo-Rodriguez and 29-year-old Miguel Berdecia. During the sale, detectives say Roosevelt Colon-Colon and 38-year-old Julio Arroyo Rodriguez arrived in a pick-up truck with one kilo of cocaine.
Authorities said another vehicle arrived which contained 44-year-old Jazmine Colon, 47-year-old Omar Medina and a 7-year-old girl who was in Jazmine Colon’s custody.
All six were stopped and arrested by Polk Sheriff deputies. Detectives say they seized two loaded 9mm handguns, more than two kilos of cocaine, and $8,535 in cash during the investigation.
Salcedo-Rodriguez is facing charges of trafficking in cocaine, 400 grams or more and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Colon-Colon and Rodriguez are facing charges of armed trafficking in cocaine, 400 grams or more and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Omar Medina is facing charges of conspiracy to traffic in cocaine and negligent child abuse.
Miguel Berdecia is facing one charge of trafficking in cocaine over 400 grams.
Jazmine Colon is facing charges of conspiracy to traffic cocaine over 400 grams of cocaine and child neglect without bodily harm.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
