Eric Paul, 29, charged with trafficking of methamphetamine. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. 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. 349 grams of powder cocaine. 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. Monitoring data trends helps assess increases or decreases and aids in targeted prevention opportunities for those most at risk. You know, I know the devastation it causes to a family.. Low 46F. ", 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. The suspects, Renee Delgado-Razo, 29, possession of methamphetamine and firearm with an altered serial number. Some individuals received additional charges, including drug possession. CONCORD - Michael Cicciu, 42, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday to one count of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today. BLOOMINGDALE-RIVERVIEW Nine people face drug charges after heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and $30,000 cash was seized during police searches, officials said. The investigation lasted two years and it was a joint investigation between the FBI, The Department of Justice, Tampa Police and the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office. 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. 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. Frequently requested statistics for: Hillsborough County, Florida. 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. Her brother died of a drug overdose in Miami. The Capital District Reptile Expo returns! Subscribe to our free DayStarter newsletter. Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Im happy with the settlement, Commissioner Stacy White said Monday. Back in November, the CDC announced that drug overdose deaths across the nation topped 100,000 from April 2020 to April 2021, which is a record-breaking amount. 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. Services for pregnant women and inmates, education, treatment programs, expanding social services, training for first responders and others efforts are some of the uses identified by the memorandum to be considered by commissioners. 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. From December 7, 2020, through January 9, 2021, HCSO detectives worked undercover posting online ads offering to meet up and make themselves available to be purchased for sex. As a practicing pharmacist, Ive watched this epidemic play out first hand. Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect. I was actually at Universal Studios. Most of the arrests involved drug activity, including charges for possession, sales, conspiracy to sell narcotics, destruction of evidence, felony possession of a firearm, child abuse, receiving stolen property, falsifying evidence, theft, and violation of bail, all being drug related and involving fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, meth, and marijuana. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has installed permanent drug drop-boxes at four of its patrol district offices. 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. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Some of the arrests were made for non-drug related offenses, such as probation and bail violations. 47 indicted in hefty Capital Region drug bust led by Attorney General. Chance of rain 100%. Additionally, the SAMHSA National Helpline for those seeking help is 1-800-662-4357. Investigators found the man they believe to be his supplier, Beau Strawder, 46, who stayed at the Clarion Hotel on East Adamo Drive in Tampa, police said. This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The HCSO Public Affairs Office is one of the busiest law enforcement public information offices in the state of Florida. In 2018, Cicciu purchased a residential building in Manchester. 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. After executing the warrant, officers located a baggie of fentanyl and an apparent drug ledger. Duringinclement weather, please check wmur closings/delays. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. Police say they seized approximately 250 grams of fentanyl, a quantity of meth, several firearms, and more than $5,000. 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. Police arrested and charged Graves with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and operating a drug house. Hillsborough nixes gopher tortoise safeguards. @bn9 pic.twitter.com/Lg3shh5nQ9. All Rights Reserved. The counts of conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin carry a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a fine of $5 million. It happened at a home on the 200 block of Carline Road. Drug trafficking endangers our community in many different ways, said U.S. Attorney Young. Philip Mathis, 25, charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Rain likely. WebIn response, Hillsborough County adopted an ordinance to prohibit the possession, use, sale, distribution, production, or manufacture of synthetic drugs. Download it here. Published Jul. 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. 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. TAMPA, Fla. Federal prosecutors have indcited 11 people on drug trafficking charges after a two-year investigation. Download our app, California Consumer Limit the Use of My Sensitive Personal Information, California Consumer Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, 11 charged in drug bust headed by FBI and Dept. Board didnt say why. ", Tampa Bay Florida's #1 Hit Music Channel and home of The joe Show. Police say more arrests are expected and that further joint efforts are planned. Want more of our free, weekly newslettersinyourinbox? Mother's Day Giveaway: Win a $2,500 Gift Card to Gold & Diamond Source! The massive bust was a collaboration between Carroll County, New Hampshire and Maine. 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. Morbidity and mortality due to substance use, misuse, and overdose have been rising steadily over the past two decades. Friday, Jan. 24, 2020. Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. The Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance website includes a list of programs available in our area. A three-month-long investigation by the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office last year led to the rescue of five victims from an alleged sex trafficking ring. The six men were also charged with racketeering under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), which can enhance the penalties. 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. Back in November, the CDC announced that drug overdose deaths across the nation topped 100,000 from April 2020 to April 2021, which is a record-breaking amount. Well deliver the latest news and information you need to know every weekday morning. Total employment, percent change, 2020-2021-1.7%: Total nonemployer establishments, 2019: 148,720: All employer firms, Reference year 2017: 29,153: Men-owned employer firms, There were some times throughout the early 2000s and into the 2010s that were not really pretty for our society.. 4 grams of heroin. The heroin and fentanyl was trafficked throughout Tampa and Kissimmee, officials said. Snelling shared data with ABC Action News that shows, in the past few years, the spike in overdose deaths in Hillsborough County now exceeds the annual count of traffic fatalities, homicides, and suicides. 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. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, includes a list of programs available in our area. Tampa, FL 33602. 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. The way the world is right now that one pill if it is not from your doctor prescription from your pharmacy youre taking a huge chance with your life," she added. RELATED: Portland man leads police on hour-long chase; now faces charges in connection with domestic violence incident, RELATED: Traffic stop leads to drug bust in Lewiston; man out on bail found with more than $2K in suspected drug proceeds, RELATED: Maine State Police confiscate almost 2 oz of cocaine from truck; driver arrested, RELATED: 3 people from Maine charged for meth; MDEA seizes $60k in drugs, RELATED: Two Maine men found passed out in running car charged with trafficking fentanyl, other drugs, Example video title will go here for this video. The premises were managed and controlled by Cicciu and made available for others to unlawfully store, distribute, and use controlled substances. 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. Right now, so many families are being devastated nationwide. (Dave Jordan, Spectrum News staff). Not only do drug traffickers sell deadly substances, but their unlawful activities damage the peace and security of our neighborhoods. TAMPA, Fla. A Tampa man is in jail facing several drug-related charges after a joint investigation between the Tampa Police Department and Hillsborough County DeSantis v. Disney: Who has the edge in a long, drawn-out fight? In response, Hillsborough County adopted an ordinance to prohibit the possession, use, sale, distribution, production, or manufacture of synthetic drugs. Here's What Bloomingdale-Riverview Moms Really Want For Mother's Day! In 2016, she got the unexpected phone call no one ever wants. Learn More. A murder case without a body? On one of these occasions, officers also located several assault-style weapons, a handgun, and brass knuckles. Like any major sporting event, the Super Bowl should not be a venue where these types of crimes occur on the sidelines, whether it's before, during, or after the game,said Sheriff Chronister. The dollars, to be paid out over 18 years, come from a $26 billion settlement announced last month to end litigation from state and local governments against Johnson & Johnson and three drug distributors Cardinal Health, AmerisourceBergen and McKesson. By allowing dangerous drug dealers to do business inside his building, this defendant jeopardized public safety and broke the law. The county used attorney Michael Moore, the former Mississippi attorney general, to file suit in 2018 against 14 companies, alleging drug manufacturers helped cause the addiction crisis and violated Floridas Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act by aggressively marketing opioid drugs, overplaying their benefits in treating chronic pain and downplaying their dangers. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY Deputies busted their 59th grow house of the year when theyRead More Pinellas Sheriff Charges Three in Drug Trafficking Case They were Her hope is that things do get better next year to prevent more families from experiencing what she did twice: a brother shell never get back and another family member who almost became one of more than 100,000. 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 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. Residents The Public Affairs Office disseminates The purpose of this litigation is not to create some kind of windfall for government, said White. Police arrested Strawder on charges of armed drug trafficking, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance and felon in possession of a firearm. Its devastating: Castro County estimates 18,000 Request services from Hillsborough County online 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week 24/7 online development permitting solution. WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Authorities say a two-year undercover investigation resulted in 85 arrests, the seizure of over $12.8 million worth of drugs, and the dismantling of an international drug trafficking organization 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. The Florida Department of Health reported 208 deaths from opioid overdoses in Hillsborough during the first six months of 2020. This is the result of a twi-year investigation. The suspected drug traffickers have been arrested and accused of targeting Tampa Bay and Central Florida. 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. It was right before Christmas, she remembered. 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. WebOQUENDO,FELICITY | 2023-04-28 13:24:00 Hillsborough County, Florida Booking. Seven other people were arrested on drug charges in connection with this case: To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. All of those things have to be addressed, Snelling concluded. By Dave Jordan Hillsborough County PUBLISHED 12:10 PM ET Sep. 03, 2020 TAMPA, Fla. Federal prosecutors have indcited 11 people on drug trafficking charges They could face penalties ranging from five years up to life in prison. 100 bags Drugs, guns, and money seized. 2023, Charter Communications, all rights reserved. Additionally, the SAMHSA National Helpline for those 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). The goal of the so called "Cross-Border Initiative" was to catch individuals distributing heroin, fentanyl, opioids, and other illicit drugs. According to federal prosecutors, the traffickers pushed heroin and the deadly synthetic drug fentanyl into the region, causing at least one death. Complete this form to report the marketing, sale or manufacture of synthetic drugs. 35 people were arrested earlier this week after a drug distribution investigation between police departments and officials in New Hampshire and Maine.