Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a major bust of a drug trafficking ring that involved an investigation lasting several months.
Multiple South Florida and Treasure Coast local law enforcement agencies were involved in cracking the case. The drug interdiction operation, called “Operation Slow N Go,” broke up a ring that investigators say was trafficking in cocaine, fentanyl, xylazine, psilocybin, marijuana, methamphetamine and several other substances.
Uthmeier said five people were arrested and six handguns and several automatic rifles were also seized.
“If anyone traffics dangerous drugs like fentanyl into Florida, expect our Office of Statewide Prosecution to throw the book at you,” Uthmeier said in a news release. “This case is further proof that Florida has the best sheriffs in the nation, and thanks to their partnership, we have fewer criminals on the street and less fentanyl in our communities.”
The investigation lasted half a year and involved law enforcement help from Sheriff’s Offices in Palm Beach, Okeechobee, St. Lucie, Indian River and Martin counties. Police Departments from West Palm Beach, Miami and other municipalities were involved as well. Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents also took part in the investigation.
“This is a good message to everybody that with our collaborative efforts, if you commit a crime we will catch you anywhere, inside or outside the state of Florida,” said Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek. “We have broken down the barriers of the jurisdictional boundaries to protect the residents of Florida. This case exemplifies our working relationship and our resolve to catch bad guys everywhere.”
Some elements of the drug trafficking ring extended into Virginia.
The suspects apprehended in the case include Gary Devon West, Darryl “Unc” Butler, Andres Chaves, James Thiele and Robert Townsend. They are facing more than a combined two dozen drug-related charges.
“The baseline of any law enforcement agency is investigation. When you’re able to do that on a large scale — across multiple agencies — it takes specialized personnel to operate and maintain that level of work here,” said Okeechobee County Sheriff Noel E. Stephen.
“Together, we’ve removed dangerous drugs, weapons, and people from our streets. We’re proud of the role we played, and we sincerely thank all of the partnering organizations for their support and commitment to this mission.”
