ORLANDO, Fla. – A months-long investigation into a drug trafficking organization bringing hundreds of kilograms of cocaine into Central Florida has resulted in multiple arrests, the seizure of more than six kilos of cocaine, $1.1 million in cash and nearly 30 firearms, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said.
Orange County Sheriff John Mina spoke about the takedown in a news conference on Monday.
“It’s always a good day in law enforcement when we’re able to take down a drug trafficking organization that was responsible for bringing hundreds of kilos of cocaine to [the] Central Florida area,” Mina said.
The operation dubbed “It’s a Trap,” targeted a group of traffickers who Mina said imported cocaine from Puerto Rico and shipped it to Central Florida through various parcel delivery services. Once the drugs arrived, traffickers distributed the cocaine using vehicles equipped with hidden compartments — commonly referred to as “traps” — to supply customers and dealers throughout the region.
The Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation (MBI) began the investigation last August after receiving a tip from a confidential informant.
Two of the group’s top members, identified as ringleaders, are family members, according to law enforcement officials. The organization had no formal name and operated collaboratively, officials said. At least one suspect remains at large, and additional arrests in Puerto Rico are anticipated.
Officials said the investigation did not uncover any fentanyl or other illicit substances — cocaine was the only drug tied to the operation.
Investigators are still determining whether any of the nearly 30 seized firearms are connected to other crimes in the area.