- July 24, 2026
A year-and-a-half, multi-agency investigation targeting fentanyl and other drug trafficking organizations operating across Central Florida has resulted in charges against dozens of defendants, with prosecutors saying the case will make a lasting difference in communities plagued by addiction and overdose deaths.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Thursday that the Office of Statewide Prosecution, working with State Attorney R.J. Larizza's Seventh Judicial Circuit and numerous local law enforcement agencies, has charged dozens of defendants tied to trafficking organizations operating in Volusia, Flagler, St. Johns, Marion and Orange counties. Authorities said 49 defendants have already been arrested, with additional arrests and charges expected as the investigation continues.
According to the Attorney General's Office, the investigation ran from the fall of 2025 through late June 2026 and relied on wiretaps, court-authorized pen registers, trap-and-trace orders, physical surveillance and controlled drug purchases to identify mid- and upper-level distributors of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and other controlled substances. Search warrants executed June 30 led to the seizure of narcotics, cash, digital scales, cutting agents, cell phones and other evidence.
In an interview following Thursday's announcement, Larizza said the investigation demonstrated the value of law enforcement agencies working together to dismantle drug trafficking organizations rather than focusing solely on individual dealers.
"We had a press conference today with the Attorney General, James Uthmeier, his statewide prosecutor Brett McVeigh, Sheriff Staly, Sheriff Chitwood and Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young," Larizza said. "Approximately 60 defendants were arrested or are in the process of being arrested for trafficking in fentanyl, cocaine and other controlled substances. This was probably about a year-and-a-half-long operation getting it all put together."
Larizza said the Flagler County Sheriff's Office played an important supporting role in the investigation.
"Sheriff Staly assisted logistically with the arrest of some of the defendants and also with any other help that was needed regarding subpoenas or search warrants," he said, adding that the Volusia County Sheriff's Office and Daytona Beach Police Department were actively involved throughout the investigation.
Larizza said removing the organizations from the streets will benefit neighborhoods throughout the region.
"It's going to make a big difference in the communities in Daytona Beach and Volusia County," he said. "Drugs and these drug traffickers and these drug organizations, they breed addiction, they breed death, they breed despair in the neighborhoods where they set up their trade."
He said the damage extends well beyond those directly involved in drug trafficking.
"The families also suffer from losses with overdose deaths and just the loss of family members who become addicted and are willing to do just about anything to get more drugs and get high," Larizza said. "I was again pleased and proud to be a part of this. We're going to prosecute these folks to the fullest extent."
According to the Attorney General's Office, several defendants identified as alleged leaders of the trafficking organizations face first-degree felony trafficking and conspiracy charges carrying mandatory minimum prison sentences ranging from seven to 25 years, along with fines of up to $500,000. Numerous other defendants are charged with trafficking, conspiracy, delivery of controlled substances, possession with intent to sell, firearms offenses and related crimes.
Larizza said Florida's mandatory minimum sentencing laws will be a key part of the prosecution.
"A lot of minimum mandatory sentences will be available to us, and we hope that it will make a positive and a long-lasting difference on the communities where these folks had set up shop," he said.
The cases will be prosecuted jointly by the Office of Statewide Prosecution and the Seventh Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office. The Attorney General's Office said the investigation remains active and additional arrests and charges are anticipated.
