The Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) Task Force released the results of Operation Spring Cleaning, a strategic initiative in 35 Florida counties that focused on the investigation and subsequent arrest of those manufacturing, delivering or trafficking controlled substances. During this operation in Lake County, 248 drug traffickers were taken off the streets, 287.6 pounds of controlled substances were confiscated, and 21 firearms were seized during the Task Force Operation Spring Cleaning.
“The widespread use of controlled substances has devasted communities across our state,” said FSA President and Walton County Sheriff and FSA President Michael Adkinson. “Enforcing controlled substance policies under Florida Statute 893.03 is a top priority for law enforcement officers to keep families and local communities safe.”
Florida’s medical examiners reported 704 people died of Fentanyl-related overdoses in the first half of 2016 which led to the passing of enhanced penalties for drug dealers and traffickers as seen in Florida House Bill 477 in 2017. Since many dealers sell various types of drugs, Operation Spring Cleaning focused on capturing sales and trafficking related to highly abused controlled substances. The following are the specific total numbers for Lake:
- 248 persons arrested for trafficking in controlled substances listed under Florida Statute 893.03/sale and delivery
- 130,453 grams of controlled substances confiscated
- 21 firearms seized
- 9 arrests for unlawful possession of a firearm when arrested for trafficking/sale and delivery
- 7 arrests for outstanding warrants when a person was arrested for trafficking/sale and delivery
“The Florida Sheriffs are committed to keeping this great state as safe as possible. We will remain tough on drug dealers and I’m very proud of the men and women who were able to achieve these results,” said Lake Sheriff Peyton Grinnell.
