More than two dozen suspects are facing charges after an undercover investigation into a massive drug trafficking organization that operated in multiple South Florida counties, authorities said.
“Operation Ice Breaker” targeted the organization that had been operating in Broward, Palm Beach and St. Lucie, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said at a news conference Tuesday.
Uthmeier said the organization distributed large quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine and other controlled substances that were shipped from California to Florida using over-the-road freight carriers who didn’t know what they were carrying.
The Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office began investigating in March after social media activity led them to a local drug distributor.
Undercover investigators made controlled purchases and began surveillance and uncovered a well-organized drug trafficking network.
Investigators identified a major supplier, Ariel Fernandez-Alonso, who said he received 50 to 60 kilograms of cocaine every 15 days, authorities said.
Authorities located one shipment as Fernandez-Alonso and his associated were breaking down a pallet containing over 40 kilograms of cocaine, Uthmeier said.
Over the weekend, authorities executed search warrants across Broward, Palm Beach and St. Lucie, arresting multiple suspects and seizing at least 45 kilograms of cocaine along with oxycodone and fentanyl pills.
So far, 25 people are facing charges and 19 have been arrested, with six still being sought.
“This joint operation dismantled a sophisticated criminal enterprise that was pumping dangerous drugs into Palm Beach, St. Lucie, and Broward County communities,” Uthmeier said. “Through the tireless work of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and our statewide prosecutors, we seized large amounts of cocaine, along with fentanyl and oxycodone pills. Florida families deserve safe streets free of these deadly substances, and we will hold every member of this organization accountable.”
Fernandez-Alonso is charged with trafficking in cocaine and unlawful use of a two-way communications device, while other suspects are charged with drug trafficking and conspiracy to commit racketeering.
Multiple suspects face 15-year mandatory minimum sentences for the trafficking counts if convicted.
“Let me be clear: if you bring dangerous drugs into Palm Beach County, we will find you, shut down your operation, and bring you to justice,” said Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. “This operation sends a strong message that we will not tolerate drug trafficking in our communities.”