PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – A major methamphetamine and cocaine distribution ring has been dismantled and 13 people have been charged.
According to US Attorney Roger B. Handberg, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, and the US Postal Inspection Service collaborated to bust a major drug trafficking organization operating in Pinellas and Pasco counties.
“For over a year, this organization trafficked in significant quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine, dangerous drugs that were distributed in Pinellas and Pasco Counties, but not any longer,” Handberg said.
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Handberg said Daniel Carrillo, 35, and his conspirators, who include his girlfriend, Betsy Trinidad, 32, sold methamphetamine and cocaine in both counties and also served as a supplier to drug dealers.
On five occasions, Handberg said that the group sold cocaine to an undercover officer and on another occasion, one member of the group was found in possession with intent to distribute of more than 400 grams of methamphetamine.
“This conspiracy was a family affair. Of the thirteen members of the conspiracy who have been federally indicted, seven of them are related,” said Handberg.
“This group preyed and profited on the addicted in Pinellas and Pasco Counties for at least ten years,” stated Special Agent David Walker of the FBI.
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“There’s still a lot of work to do to rid our neighborhood of this kind of crime. This investigation highlights what can be achieved when federal state and local law enforcement work together with diligence and dedication. We work every day with one goal of mine. Combati violence to ensure your safety and security,” said Walker.
According to Handberg, one suspect is still at large and twelve have been arrested and taken off the street.
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