Florida’s fight against the fentanyl crisis intensifies as Attorney General Uthmeier’s office charges 33 in a sweeping, multi-jurisdictional drug trafficking bust

Tampa, Florida – In a sweeping crackdown on drug trafficking, Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution has charged 33 individuals linked to a massive fentanyl and cocaine distribution ring operating across Hillsborough County and the greater Tampa Bay area.

This large-scale law enforcement operation, conducted in collaboration with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), has resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of illicit substances.

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Authorities revealed that the investigation uncovered extensive drug trafficking activities, with large quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine being funneled through the region. More than 66 ounces of fentanyl—enough to potentially kill over 931,000 Floridians—were seized, alongside more than 73 ounces of cocaine and eight ounces of methamphetamine.

“Because of the hard work of our law enforcement partners, enough fentanyl to kill 931,000 Floridians was taken off the streets,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Let this operation serve as a warning to anyone who dares to sell this poison in Florida: the rule of law will prevail, and you will be found and brought to justice.”

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Major drug network dismantled

The investigation identified a complex trafficking network responsible for the widespread distribution of fentanyl and cocaine, with some defendants already incarcerated for unrelated offenses. Law enforcement officials coordinated a series of arrests across multiple locations, successfully apprehending the majority of those charged. However, three suspects remain at large.

Among the individuals charged are Edward James III, Elias Rosario Negron, and Enid Torres Berrios, all of whom were linked to high-volume drug operations. The arrests also include Jose Alexie Santiago, Sidney Mandrell Hall, and Jerald Jerome Martin, who were allegedly involved in trafficking activities across multiple levels of the operation.

Other notable individuals facing prosecution include Angel Garcia, Eliezer Gonzalez Mena, and Pedro Martinez Flores, who were identified as key players in the supply and distribution of illicit substances. Law enforcement authorities also named Carlos Acevedo Varela, Ruth Allyn, and Alfredo Delvalle Ravelo as part of the network.

The scope of the operation extended beyond Hillsborough County, with some defendants, including William Rivera Diaz, Elvis Fernandez, and Fernando Elias Rosario Torres, already serving time in correctional facilities for unrelated offenses. Their involvement in the network further underscores the organized nature of this criminal enterprise.

Strong message to drug traffickers

The case highlights the growing concern over fentanyl, a synthetic opioid responsible for thousands of overdose deaths across the country. With Florida being a key battleground in the fight against drug trafficking, Attorney General Uthmeier emphasized that law enforcement agencies remain committed to dismantling operations that put communities at risk.

According to Uthmeier, this is not just about making arrests—it’s about protecting our families and neighborhoods from the devastation caused by these dangerous substances.

As the prosecution moves forward, the Office of Statewide Prosecution will handle the cases against all 33 defendants, ensuring that those responsible for distributing deadly drugs in Florida face the full weight of the law.

Ongoing investigation

While many arrests have been made, authorities confirm that the investigation remains active. Law enforcement continues efforts to track down the remaining suspects and gather further intelligence on the network’s operations.

With this massive drug ring dismantled, Florida officials reaffirm their commitment to tackling the fentanyl crisis and preventing dangerous narcotics from reaching communities. The message is clear: Florida is no safe haven for drug traffickers.