19 alleged drug traffickers arrested in joint operation among Northwest Florida law enforcement agencies

NORTHWEST FLORIDA (WKRG) — 19 alleged drug traffickers operating in Fort Walton Beach have been arrested after a joint operation among Northwest Florida law enforcement agencies.

“Together we are taking criminals off the streets, seizing huge quantities of deadly fentanyl and other lethal drugs,” Florida Department of Law Enforcement Deputy Commissioner Vaden Pollard said.

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In addition to drug trafficking, some of the suspects are charged with homicide, in cases where the drugs led to someone dying from an overdose.

The operation comes as part of Florida’s S.A.F.E. program, State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication. The program began in 2023.

“Results from the first year of S.A.F.E. cases include Florida law enforcement seizing more than 37 kilograms of fentanyl, 55 kilograms of cocaine, 20 kilograms of methamphetamine, more than 30,000 fentanyl pills, 72 illegal firearms and seizing more than $463,000 of illegal drug trafficking proceeds,” Pollard said.

The S.A.F.E. program is helping law enforcement battle an issue significantly impacting Northwest Florida.

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“Here in Northwest Florida, we have a per capita overdose death rate that is double that of the state average,” FDLE Special Agent in Charge Chris Williams said. “I’m gonna say that one more time, double the state average.”

“Fentanyl traffickers don’t care about our communities or about the devastation to families that are affected by this horrendous drug,” Pollard said. “We do.”

FDLE said the investigation is ongoing, and additional homicide and drug charges are pending.

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