MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — Seventeen people are in custody and three others remain wanted following a months-long narcotics investigation that authorities say dismantled a significant cocaine trafficking operation centered in Indiantown.
The investigation, dubbed “Operation Beneath the Surface,” resulted in the seizure of four kilograms of cocaine, three ounces of methamphetamine, two pounds of marijuana and eight guns, according to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities said the defendants collectively face more than 200 felony charges.
Sheriff’s officials said the investigation began in late 2025, when narcotics detectives conducting undercover drug buys began dealing with Khalil Thompson and Christopher Wilson. Investigators said the two appeared to have a steady supply of cocaine, eventually leading detectives to Cecil Trimble of Indiantown, who authorities identified as the alleged leader of the operation.
Investigators allege Trimble operated a car detailing business in Indiantown that served as a front for a much larger cocaine operation. The business inspired the name “Operation Beneath the Surface,” authorities said.
According to the sheriff’s office, investigators obtained court-authorized wiretaps involving several of the suspected key players. Authorities said the investigation showed cocaine was being supplied to dealers in Indiantown, Stuart and Port St. Lucie, while other people were allegedly used as drug “mules” to transport cocaine to the Daytona Beach area.
In one case, authorities said Antonio Honor was stopped by the Florida Highway Patrol while traveling north on Interstate 95 and was found with a kilogram of cocaine. Another woman, Chiquita Adamson, was also accused of transporting cocaine for the organization, though authorities said she was not caught with the drugs in her possession.
As of Friday, 17 defendants had been arrested and three remained at large. Authorities said the remaining suspects know they are being sought and urged them to turn themselves in. (WPEC)
Officials said Trimble also used women he was involved with to help facilitate parts of the operation. His live-in girlfriend allegedly assisted with some drug transactions, while Adamson was described as one of the people used to transport drugs. Authorities said other women connected to Trimble had not been arrested as of Friday.
The sheriff’s office said the four kilograms of cocaine seized represent one of the most significant drug seizures investigators have made in the Booker Park area of Indiantown. Authorities estimated the cocaine was being purchased at the kilogram level for about $20,000 each, while its potential street value could be substantially higher once divided for individual sales.
Investigators executed three residential search warrants — two in Indiantown and one in Stuart — as part of the operation. Drugs were also seized during traffic stops and undercover purchases.
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Authorities said Trimble, Thompson, Wilson and Jamari Jones are among the defendants facing racketeering charges. Trimble was also on federal probation at the time of his arrest, according to the sheriff’s office.
Sheriff’s officials said most of the cases are expected to remain at the state level, although some charges could be pursued federally.
As of Friday, 17 defendants had been arrested and three remained at large. Authorities said the remaining suspects know they are being sought and urged them to turn themselves in.
The sheriff’s office said investigators are still working to determine the original source of the cocaine. At least one shipment allegedly came through the mail from another state, while investigators believe some of the drugs may have originated in South Florida.