Polk County Sheriff Charges 32 In Drug Trafficking Investigation

WINTER HAVEN, FL —Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced during a Thursday press conference that 29 arrests have been made during "Operation Bell Gang Blues," a 16-month investigation into illegal drug trafficking in the Lake Wales area.

According to a press release, the sheriff's office undercover narcotics detectives and the department's HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) task force conducted the investigation. Three suspects remain at large.

Detectives have filed 301 total felony and 134 total misdemeanor charges against the suspects during the investigation, police said. The suspects have 645 previous charges, including 314 prior felonies and 331 prior misdemeanors.

"It amazes me that some people still think drug traffickers are somehow low-level, non-violent criminals," Judd said. "In this instance, eleven guns were in the hands of these felons – two of which were stolen. Illegal drugs ruin lives, destroy families, drive up property crime and wreck neighborhoods. Our community is safer because of the outstanding work by our detectives."

During the sheriff's office investigation:

• 11 firearms were seized (two were reported as stolen)
• Approximately 22.4 pounds of marijuana was seized (street value: approximately $100,000)
• Approximately 4.3 pounds of methamphetamine was seized (street value: approximately $97,950)
• Approximately 1.7 pounds of cocaine was seized (street value: approximately $81,000)
• Approximately 36.3 grams of Ecstasy was seized (street value: approximately $3,630)
• Approximately 32 bags of THC candy was seized (street value: approximately $640)
• Approximately 2.5 grams of heroin was seized (street value: approximately $500)
• Approximately 5 grams of oxycodone was seized (street value: approximately $100)

The suspects arrested are from Lake Wales (18), Winter Haven (3), Lakeland (2), Frostproof (2), Bartow, Plant City, Coral Springs and Orlando. Two suspects from Lake Wales still are at large, as is one from Dundee.

A list of the suspects and the charges against each person is available on the Polk County Sheriff's Office website.