LEE COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — Two men were linked to a cocaine trafficking operation, following an investigation where Florida deputies caught them red-handed.
Sheriff Carmine Marceno warned potential traffickers, saying, “If you choose to deal or traffic drugs in Lee County, expect that we will hunt you down and find you. Our detectives work every day to remove dangerous narcotics and the people selling them from our streets.”
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office said that the suspects, Ramiro Jimenez-Flores and Chris Sierra-Lopez, were caught red-handed during controlled drug purchases, where detectives successfully acquired cocaine.
Jimenez-Flores was apprehended during a traffic stop, where officials said they found over 60 grams of cocaine in his possession. Sierra-Lopez was also stopped separately and taken into custody on outstanding charges.
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Detectives reported executing search warrants at their residences, leading to the discovery of illegal items:
From Jimenez-Flores’ home on Atlantic Avenue:
3 firearmsNearly 19 grams of cocaineHydrochloride pillsDrug packaging materials
From Sierra-Lopez’s home on 25th Street SW:
4 grams of cocaine190 grams of marijuanaDrug packaging materials
Jimenez-Flores has been accused of multiple charges, including trafficking cocaine and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. Sierra-Lopez has been accused of trafficking cocaine, possession of marijuana, and other offenses related to drug use and distribution.