HOLLY HILL, Fla. (CBS12) — A major multi-agency law enforcement operation Tuesday morning targeted an alleged drug trafficking organization investigators say is linked to multiple shootings and overdose deaths across Volusia County, including a raid at the property of Greater Harvest Ministries church in Holly Hill.
The operation, dubbed “Operation Holy Rollers,” stemmed from a long-term narcotics investigation and included the execution of 10 search warrants and more than 50 arrest warrants throughout Holly Hill, Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
One of the primary targets was the Greater Harvest Ministries property at 1301 Center Ave. in Holly Hill, where sheriff’s deputies, SWAT personnel and other law enforcement partners served a search warrant early Tuesday.
A major multi-agency law enforcement operation Tuesday morning targeted an alleged drug trafficking organization investigators say is linked to multiple shootings and overdose deaths across Volusia County, including a raid at the property of Greater Harvest Ministries church in Holly Hill. (VSO)
Sheriff Mike Chitwood said investigators believe the property was being used as a headquarters by an organization known as the “Cut Throat Killers.”
“What we were able to do is secure 10 search warrants for properties today, and we have over 50 arrest warrants for a group that calls themselves the Cut Throat Killers,” Chitwood said during the operation.
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Video released by the sheriff’s office showed tactical teams surrounding the church property and ordering occupants to exit before officers forced entry and detained individuals inside.
While standing outside Greater Harvest Ministries, Chitwood criticized the alleged use of the church property for criminal activity.
“This is a church on Sunday that is tax-exempt, I’m sure, that is being used as a headquarters by a bunch of thugs,” Chitwood said.
We’re gonna hit this place here real hard, real fast.”
Authorities said the investigation identified suspects allegedly connected to approximately three overdose deaths in Oak Hill and New Smyrna Beach, as well as a non-fatal overdose in Edgewater. Investigators also linked members of the group to multiple shootings in Daytona Beach.
“They are responsible for about three overdose deaths, ranging from Oak Hill and New Smyrna, and one overdose where the person survived in Edgewater,” Chitwood said. “They’re responsible for a couple of shootings in Daytona.”
They are about guns and dope, and some really significant criminal histories here.”
The sheriff said investigators specifically targeted what they described as the organization’s headquarters at the Greater Harvest Ministries property.
“We are headed to the headquarters today of this Cut Throat Killers, which is a church,” Chitwood said. “Today was the day of retribution, and we’re not done yet.”
A second search warrant was served at a residence on South Keech Street in Daytona Beach as part of the coordinated effort. Chitwood said authorities were receiving reports throughout the morning that several warrant targets had already been taken into custody.
The sheriff’s office said the operation was conducted alongside the Daytona Beach Police Department’s “Operation Ice Breakers II” and included assistance from the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, East and West Volusia Narcotics Task Forces, DNET, the Overdose Task Force, SWAT teams from the Volusia, Flagler, Seminole and Brevard county sheriff’s offices, the Southeast Volusia Regional SWAT Team and the Holly Hill Police Department.
Authorities have not yet released the names of those arrested or specific charges resulting from Tuesday’s operation. The Volusia Sheriff’s Office said additional details are expected as investigators continue processing evidence and serving outstanding warrants.