PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — Attorney General James Uthmeier on Tuesday announced the arrest of five individuals in a major crackdown on a drug trafficking ring who he said was operating across South Florida.
Uthmeier said the investigation, dubbed “Operation Slow N Go,” uncovered large-scale distribution of cocaine, fentanyl, xylazine, psilocybin, marijuana, methamphetamine, testosterone, alprazolam, and other pharmaceutical pills.
Authorities also confirmed that six handguns, several automatic rifles, 2,262 grams of narcotics, and at least 500 pills were seized.
The six-month investigation was led by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division and Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution, with assistance from the DEA, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office, and West Palm Beach Police Department.
Investigators said they discovered that two of the suspects were selling drugs out of a local flea market in Palm Beach County, using it as a front to distribute narcotics across South Florida.
“If anyone traffics dangerous drugs like fentanyl into Florida, expect our Office of Statewide Prosecution to throw the book at you,” Uthmeier said. “This case is further proof that Florida has the best sheriffs in the nation, and thanks to their partnership, we have fewer criminals on the street and less fentanyl in our communities.”
“Those who choose to profit from addiction should know they cannot hide in our community. We will aggressively pursue anyone trafficking fentanyl and other deadly substances,” added Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. We remain committed to protecting our residents and holding drug traffickers accountable.”
Uthmeier confirmed that the trafficking ring operated in Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, Broward, Okeechobee, Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River counties in Florida, as well as Suffolk County, Virginia.
He identified the following suspects and announced their charges during a press conference Tuesday morning:
Gary Devon West
Conspiracy to commit racketeeringTrafficking in fentanylConspiracy to traffic methamphetamine (28–200g)Conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine (28–200g)Trafficking in methamphetamine (14–28g)Delivery of fentanylDelivery of methamphetamine (twice)Possession with intent to deliver fentanylConspiracy to deliver methamphetamineConspiracy to deliver fentanylUnlawful use of a two-way communication device
Darryl “Unc” Butler
Conspiracy to commit racketeeringUnlawful use of a two-way communication device
Andres Chaves
Conspiracy to deliver fentanylDelivery of fentanylUnlawful use of a two-way communication device
James Thiele
Trafficking in methamphetamine (14 grams or more)Unlawful use of a two-way communication device
Robert Townsend
Trafficking in methamphetamine (14 grams or more)Delivery of Schedule II controlled substanceUnlawful use of a two-way communication device
Authorities say two additional individuals have outstanding warrants, and more arrests are expected as the investigation continues.
🏠 News From Your Neighborhood
Copyright 2025 by WPLG Local10.com – All rights reserved.