ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – State and local law enforcement officials announced the results of an operation that they said led to the dismantling of a drug trafficking ring in Central Florida.
According to the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, "Operation Last of the Mojica's" was launched in fall 2017 and led to 10 arrests.
The name of the operation reflects four siblings with the last name Mojica-Phipps who investigators said were at the center of the drug organization.
After receiving a tip that Hector Mojica-Phipps was selling significant quantities of heroin and fentanyl, the MBI said its agents learned the drug ring was bringing in as much as 10 kilograms of heroin a month.
According to investigators, the drugs were primarily being distributed in the Pine Hills area of Orange County.
Sheriff Jerry Demings said the arrests highlight the ongoing battle against the heroin epidemic.
"So what we're saying is that this certainly saves lives when we're able to arrest individuals and bring them to justice," Demings said.
According to the Sheriff's Office, deputies have responded to 775 heroin overdoses so far this year.
The MBI said one of the culprits, Lorenzo-Corral Martinez, remains at large and likely fled to Mexico.
The other 10 who were arrested are facing a number of counts that include drug trafficking, conspiracy and firearms charges.