SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – On Tuesday, Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma announced the results of a six-month investigation dubbed “Operation Black Ice.”
During a news conference, Lemma discussed the operation, which targeted drug trafficking activities in and near Seminole County.
According to the sheriff’s office, the investigation involved undercover agents who purchased drugs and firearms from two-time convicted felon Floyd Aikens and his associates.
Deputies said that agents managed to buy over $160,000 worth of illicit items, including:
- 4 pounds of fentanyl
- 3 pounds of heroin
- 5 pounds of methamphetamine
- 4.5 pounds of “Molly”
- 14 grams of xylazine
- 200 grams of marijuana
- 10 firearms
In addition, the investigation prevented a potential “murder-for-hire plot” against an inmate by working with prison officials, and a drone operation aimed at smuggling contraband into a correctional facility was intercepted, a release from the SCSO says.
The release also shows that a UPS distribution manager was arrested. He is accused of intercepting packages filled with drugs that were marked with fake addresses before personally delivering the parcels to those involved in the investigation.
On Tuesday, six search warrants were executed at homes in Seminole and Orange counties, ending with six further arrests, deputies said.
Of the 33 identified suspects in this case, 20 have now been apprehended thanks to the operation, according to the sheriff’s office.
“This scale of this investigation exemplifies the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies and underscores our commitment to tackling illicit narcotics on our streets, especially fentanyl and the associated organized crime,” Lemma stated.
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