According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 31, 2020, Manchester police detectives obtained a state search warrant for Ciccius residence based on surveillance and post-arrest statements from both buyers and suppliers of drugs. DeSantis v. Disney: Who has the edge in a long, drawn-out fight? Dozens of people have been indicted in the bust of a major narcotic trafficking ring that operated on Long Island, including from out of two day care centers, After personal tragedy, advocate hopes drug overdose In 2016, she got the unexpected phone call no one ever wants. POLK COUNTY, Fla. A wiretap investigation that spanned about nine months helped lead deputies to a countywide drug bust in Polk County. "Their distribution of these deadly drugs heroin and fentanyl resulted in the overdose and deaths of one individual and serious bodily injury of another individual," said Michael Sinacore, Asst. Latin Kings gang leaders among 21 arrested in Please note that new Connecticut county level geographies are not availabe within the map. Drug trafficking endangers our community in many different ways, said U.S. Attorney Young. Largo lawyers death part of uncommon trend. Eric Paul, 29, charged with trafficking of methamphetamine. A month-long investigation by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office led investigators to a 28-year-old Riverview man who sold drugs from his home, authorities said in a press release. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. East Greenbush to begin enforcing lowered speed limits, Over 3k guns turned in during statewide gun buyback, 14 people hospitalized from collapsed roof, 05/01/2023: Exercise for your umbrellas and wipers. Sheriff Chronister said during Monday's announcement, by continuing to conduct undercover operations targeting Johns, his hope is that both residents and visitors of Hillsborough County the week of the big game, including those traveling specifically to engage in human trafficking, will learn in advance that Hillsborough County has a zero-tolerance for such activity. Well deliver the latest news and information you need to know every weekday morning. It happened at a home on the 200 block of Carline Road. 35 arrested after Three months before Hillsborough filed its suit, then-Attorney General Pam Bondi announced she had filed the most comprehensive lawsuit in the country against the largest manufacturers and distributors of opioids, blaming them for creating an opioid crisis that has killed more than 10,000 Floridians. AIKEN COUNTY, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) -- Thirteen people are under arrest in Warrenville after a drug bust Tuesday. There were some times throughout the early 2000s and into the 2010s that were not really pretty for our society.. And then, in the summer of 2021, history nearly repeated itself when someone in her immediate family had a similar scare, and according to Snelling, came very close to death but miraculously survived. Get notified on your phone in the morning with the latest forecast and news to start your day. Abuse of synthetic drugs such as bath salts and synthetic marijuana has become an epidemic. This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.). Rain likely. Female detectives posed as prostitutes on the streets. Morbidity and mortality due to substance use, misuse, and overdose have been rising steadily over the past two decades. BLOOMINGDALE-RIVERVIEW Nine people face drug charges after heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and $30,000 cash was seized during police searches, officials said. It really is almost incomprehensible how extensive the epidemic is, and its hitting us right here in the Tampa Bay area, she said. Thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement partners, he has now been held responsible for his crimes.. 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. TAMPA, Fla. Federal prosecutors have indcited 11 people on drug trafficking charges after a two-year investigation. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. The suit was filed in Pasco County and targeted some of the same defendants listed in Hillsboroughs suit. Heroin, Meth, $30K Seized In Drug Raids; 9 Arrested: Police Heroin, Meth, $30K Seized In Drug Raids; 9 Arrested: Police On January 11, National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, Sheriff Chad Chronister announced the results of a month-long operation aimed at targeting and deterring human trafficking in Hillsborough County. Drugs, guns, and money seized. ", According to authorities, including Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, the traffickers pushed heroin and the deadly synthetic drug fentanyl into the region, causing at least one death. Here's What Bloomingdale-Riverview Moms Really Want For Mother's Day! Request services from Hillsborough County online 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week 24/7 online development permitting solution. The goal of the so called "Cross-Border Initiative" was to catch individuals distributing heroin, fentanyl, opioids, and other illicit drugs. "I will not tolerate this illegal acitivity, and I can assure you the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office will continue to invest the time needed to identify all the players and dismantle their operation.". It was right before Christmas, she remembered. On one of these occasions, officers also located several assault-style weapons, a handgun, and brass knuckles. Hillsborough nixes gopher tortoise safeguards. Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren announced in a news conference Thursday the creation of a program designed to expand the rehabilitative options available to low-level drug offenders. Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect. "We are committed to protecting Hillsborough County. Six arrested in drug sweep in greater Nashua area Tampa man accused of selling drugs laced with fentanyl The Capital District Reptile Expo returns! The massive bust was a collaboration between Carroll County, New Hampshire and Maine. The proceeds will finance treatment programs and other efforts to combat addiction. A total of 71Johns, or sex buyers, were arrested and charged with soliciting another to commit prostitution or entering/remaining in a place for prostitution. Chance of rain 100%. We know from past experiences with major sporting events that there will be some who travel for the exclusive purpose of taking advantage of women and children. Federal prosecutors indicted eleven people on drug trafficking charges. This started as early as 2016 and continued well into August of this year. Police searched several rooms under Strawder's name under a search warrant. 4 grams of heroin. Polk sheriff: 85 arrested, $12.8M in drugs seized after wiretap They could face penalties ranging from five years up to life in prison. The Hillsborough County Commission is scheduled to vote Wednesday on a resolution and accompanying memorandum of understanding to begin the process of settling its claim. 47 indicted in hefty Capital Region drug bust led by Attorney General. drug More than 3,500 governments, including the state of Florida, filed similar suits which were consolidated in federal court in Ohio where the settlement was reached. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. 47 indicted in hefty Capital Region drug bust led Top Stories / Jun 24, 2021 / 04:38 PM EDT. Our goal, as the operation name explains, is to intercept individuals, involved in sexual exploitation before they are able to take advantage of vulnerable individuals, andultimately, to deter others.". ", Tampa Bay Florida's #1 Hit Music Channel and home of The joe Show. United States Department of Justice After executing the warrant, officers located a baggie of fentanyl and an apparent drug ledger. 349 grams of powder cocaine. Hillsborough Countys share of an opioid litigation settlement could reach $60 million for treatment, prevention and other efforts to combat the decades-long addiction crisis. Two deputies were found dead inside a vacation rental home Saturday night. The deputies were members of the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office, who said the two were romantically involved with one another. Ashley Purvis, 30, charged with conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine. Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. Additionally, the SAMHSA National Helpline for those Latest News, Press Releases and Events | HCSO, Tampa FL As a practicing pharmacist, Ive watched this epidemic play out first hand. Investigators say they were trafficking heroin and fentanyl in Tampa and Kissimmee. Ellen Snelling, with the Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance, has lived the record-breaking spike of overdose deaths, Devastated by drug overdoses, Tampa advocate prays deadly spike will end in 2022. Some individuals received additional charges, including drug possession. Police served a search warrant on Cody Graves' home on May 20 and found methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and a gun inside his home. Motorcyclist Recovering After Crashing Into Clearwater Police Vehicle, Broadband Internet Coming To Rural Areas Of Hillsborough, Pasco County, Wimauma Infant's Death Ruled Homicide; Mother Charged With Murder, Salute To Scholars Scholarship Applications Open, AI Workshop: How Top-Producers and Non Techie Realtors Can Grow their Biz, 2-Year-Old Daughter Of Bucs Linebacker Shaquil Barrett Drowns Sunday, Bloomingdale-Riverview Area: 5 Freshest Homes For Sale, Gator Rescued In Philly, Manatee Center Breaks Ground: FL Good News. This was the 59th grow house bust of the year, according to the Hillsborough Sheriffs Office. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY Deputies busted their 59th grow house of the year when they Read More They were accused of trafficking in Fentanyl after a search warrant was executed at a St. Petersburg motel, the Pinellas Sheriffs Office said. TAMPA, Fla. For Ellen Snelling, its still so surreal. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Rabuck assisted with the forfeiture portion of the case. Residents Shawn Storer, 30, charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine, tampering with physical evidence, driving while license suspended-2nd conviction and outstanding warrant for felony petit theft. Aiken County Drug 40 indicted in massive drug trafficking ring that included When consumed, these drugs mimic the effects of controlled substances and are often manufactured to appear similar to illicit drugs. Renee Delgado-Razo, 29, possession of methamphetamine and firearm with an altered serial number. Friday, Jan. 24, 2020. WebThe National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general The purpose is to get much needed resources on the ground to help with treatment, abatement, and prevention of addiction.. A murder case without a body? Police arrested and charged Graves with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and operating a drug house. Some of the arrests were made for non-drug related offenses, such as probation and bail violations. Letsgetstarted. The exact amount of the payout isnt yet known, but the countys outside legal team estimated Hillsborough could net $50 million to $60 million, according to formulas established for computing damages. The Public Affairs Office disseminates Floridas dental deserts leave millions without access to oral care, Floridas graduating seniors shouldnt face different rules | Letters, No charges filed in the shooting death of 19-year-old University of Tampa student, Hillsborough announces details of opioid lawsuit, South Dakota motorcycle rally carries COVID cases across 5 states. Specifically, on eight separate occasions between October 22, 2019 and November 20, 2020, Manchester police detectives executed search warrants at the residence that resulted in the arrests of people renting rooms from Cicciu who were distributing and using heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine and crack cocaine. 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In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts. When county officials announced the lawsuit in 2018, they shared data showing Hillsborough reported 579 babies born addicted to drugs the most among Floridas 67 counties, according to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. Register to receive time-sensitive messages about emergencies and certain non-emergency events straight from us to you. No company should ever place its desire for profits above the health and well-being of its customers or the communities where those customers live, the county lawsuit stated. 35 people were arrested earlier this week after a drug distribution investigation between police departments and officials in New Hampshire and Maine. Drug Bust | Tampa Bay Reporter Florida students rally to be heard in education debate, Pinellas judge denies defendants use of medical marijuana, suggests Xanax instead, Blogger must say if he was paid to publish posts about candidate, judge rules, Disney sues DeSantis, saying it is victim of retaliation. Snelling said the Tampa Bay area is generally well-suited with a myriad of drug treatment programs, but she believes more can be done regionally and nationally, including better education starting at an earlier age, more funding for treatment and prevention, better access to quick treatment, and stronger border security to better prevent the flow of fentanyl from Mexico. Cicciu is scheduled to be sentenced on August 25, 2022. Duringinclement weather, please check wmur closings/delays. Additionally, the SAMHSA National Helpline for those seeking help is 1-800-662-4357. County drug bust 22, 2016. Its devastating: Castro County estimates 18,000 Overview Julius Lane, 34, Hillsborough County House of Correction, charged with sale of a controlled drug (3 counts); Tommy Rodgers, 29, Middleton County Jail, Middleton, Mass., charged with sale of a controlled drug (2 counts). Subscribe to our free DayStarter newsletter. (Dave Jordan, Spectrum News staff). Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, includes a list of programs available in our area. Right now, so many families are being devastated nationwide. 47 indicted in hefty Capital Region drug bust led by Attorney General Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office Massive Human Trafficking Bust. Hillsborough program aims to expand success of drug treatment The Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance website includes a list of programs available in our area. 35 arrested after multiple drug busts across Maine, New Hampshire border. That statistic not only alarms Snelling as someone whos lived through the crisis but also as someone who battles it daily as the board chair of the Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance. On January 11, National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, Sheriff Chad Chronister Its almost like you cant comprehend it, said Snelling. Hillsborough County - Report Synthetic Drugs A total of 71 individuals were arrested during the course of the investigation dubbed Operation Interception, one of many proactive approaches the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office has taken to combat human trafficking leading up to the Super Bowl coming to Tampa in February 2021. As part of his plea agreement, he has agreed to forfeit his interest in the property, which is located on East High Street in Manchester. Snelling said fentanyl, a powerful opioid that often contaminates other drugs, was to blame in both cases. The Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance website includes a list of programs available in our area. Times staff. By allowing dangerous drug dealers to do business inside his building, this defendant jeopardized public safety and broke the law. I was actually at Universal Studios. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 100 bags This is particularly so when the product that the company manufactures, distributes and sells is a narcotic.. Drug Disposal | Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance According to federal prosecutors, the traffickers pushed heroin and the deadly synthetic drug fentanyl into the region, causing at least one death. HILLSBORO, OH (FOX19) - Seven people have been arrested after a drug bust in Highland County. At about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, the Hillsboro Police Department deployed the Hillsboro/Greenfield Special Response Team to execute two search warrants at different locations in the city. All Rights Reserved. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) Six men in Hillsborough County are accused of exploiting drug addiction to force women into prostitution. "With less than a month until the big game,our covert operations continue,seeking those who choose to sexually exploit others here in our community,said Sheriff Chad Chronister. According to the data, fentanyl analogs are now the most common drugs found in overdose victims. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. The Florida Department of Health reported 208 deaths from opioid overdoses in Hillsborough during the first six months of 2020.