JSO reveals results of ‘long-term narcotics investigation’

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office revealed the “conclusion of a long-term narcotics investigation” on Wednesday evening.

Sheriff T.K. Waters said the four-month long “Operation Decrypted” led to the arrest of 15 major drug traffickers. In addition to people arrested locally, there were also alleged traffickers arrested in California, Georgia, South Carolina and Virginia.

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The following people were arrested by JSO:

• Alrick Taylor
• Da ron Williams
• James Reed
• Jamie Monroe
• Natasha Johnson

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The following people were arrested as a part of the operation in other jurisdictions:

• Idel Chin | Florida Highway Patrol, in St. Johns County, Florida
• Markayla Brooks, Kermella Broadnax | St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office
• Rohan Campbell | Marion County Sheriff’s Office
• Julio Arellano, Raphael Kerr, Shawne Davis, Gasford Reid | San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office (California)
• Osbourne Green, Cyon Florent | DEA (in Atlanta, Georgia)

Waters said the suppliers arrested not only trafficked drugs into Jacksonville but also into major cities like New York City, Boston, Atlanta and Orlando.

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The investigation also led to the seizure of the following drugs, Waters said:

• 10 kilograms of cocaine | Street value: $600,000
• 76 kilograms of meth | Street value: $500,000
• 4 kilograms of fentanyl | Street value $800,000
• 116 pounds of marijuana | Street value $300,000

Several guns and cars used by the alleged traffickers were also seized.

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Action News Jax spoke with Susan Pitman, the founder of Drug Free Duval. She said fentanyl can be added to just about any drug and is a major problem.

“A drug dealer is quite aware he can make a supply of whatever drug it is, meth, cocaine, etc, go a lot of further by adding a tiny amount of fentanyl,” she said. “We are being so manipulated and people don’t realize it these folks are real smart and they’re reaching our kids.”

Sheriff Waters says the investigation was to target some of the largest known drug traffickers in the area, adding that fentanyl entering the drug market has hurt the community.

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Pitman with Drug Free Duval said among many things, they work with law enforcement agencies regarding strategies, trends and risks.

“I don’t think our street are only safer because they got a few bad actors off the streets,” she said. “They (law enforcement) want this to be a healthier, better community and they’re playing their role.”

Drug Free Duval said while enforcement is a major key, reducing the need and demand is just as important. They provide services to help anyone who’s dealing with addiction.

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