INDIANTOWN, Fla. (CBS12) — Fentanyl, methamphetamine, and a stolen handgun were seized during recent traffic stops in western Martin County.
Sheriff’s deputies with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office say they are actively targeting drug and weapons trafficking moving through the Indiantown area.
“If you’re moving drugs or any illegal substance through SR-710, there’s a very good chance you’re not making it out of Martin County,” the sheriff’s office posted on Facebook.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies assigned to the county’s western communities have increased focused traffic enforcement along a known pipeline used to move illegal drugs between Palm Beach County and Okeechobee. In just the past few weeks, multiple stops have resulted in arrests and the recovery of narcotics, firearms, and drug paraphernalia.
Authorities said deputies stopped several individuals traveling through the area and discovered methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine residue during one encounter. Just one day later, deputies conducted another stop and seized additional fentanyl and crack cocaine connected to the same route.
Recent traffic stops in the Indiantown area of western Martin County led to multiple arrests and the seizure of fentanyl, methamphetamine and a stolen handgun as sheriff’s deputies intensified efforts to disrupt drug and weapons trafficking through the area. (MCSO)
In a separate traffic stop, deputies recovered a stolen handgun, another firearm found in the possession of a convicted felon, and a large quantity of marijuana. Investigators say the stop further confirms that the corridor is being used not only to transport narcotics, but also illegal weapons.
See also: FBI Ten Most Wanted fugitive captured in Florida, one day after FBI offers $1M reward
Sheriff’s officials said the enforcement effort is part of a proactive approach aimed at intercepting illegal activity before it reaches neighborhoods in western Martin County and beyond. Deputies assigned to the area have been working to identify suspicious activity and conduct lawful traffic stops to disrupt drug trafficking routes.
Those arrested as a result of the recent traffic stops include Michael Dale Cross, 41; Patricia Anne Asfour, 38; Freddy Lee Mott, 38; Shannon Keith Roseman, 45; Sean Michael Tutterow, 46; Thomas Domando, 34; and Steven Richter, 36.
“These incidents are only a snapshot of what our west county deputies are seeing,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement, adding that enforcement will continue in the Indiantown area.