CITRUS COUNTY, FL. – In early May, detectives with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Impact Unit developed credible information that a large and steady supply of drugs (fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine) was coming into Citrus County by a suspect just over the line in Marion County.
“Strong partnerships have been encouraged and developed under Sheriff Prendergast’s leadership with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Tampa District Office, which allowed TIU members to investigate this case across county lines,” said CCSO in a statement.
For over a month, detectives and agents worked tirelessly to identify the suspect, gather all necessary information, and develop leads and sources to further their case.
Investigators learned that the suspect was Edward Jermaine Duncan, a two-time convicted felon and registered sex offender. Duncan was selling quarter to half-pound quantities of hard narcotics almost daily to lower-level dealers in Citrus County. They also learned that Duncan was dealing immense quantities of fentanyl, which along with heroin, is responsible for most of the overdose deaths occurring in Citrus and Marion Counties.
This case culminated on 06/10/21 with the arrest of Edward Duncan and a federal search warrant executed at his home located at 5820 SW 206th Avenue in Dunnellon.
Detectives and agents quickly got Duncan in custody and began a thorough and careful search of the home keeping in mind the possible presence of fentanyl. While searching the shed, their fears were realized when over two pounds of fentanyl was discovered.
Very carefully, utilizing proper personal protective measures and keeping NARCAN ready, agents and detectives completed the search.
Numerous items of manufacturing equipment were located to include scales, bags, blenders, hot plates, utensils and hydraulic presses as well as two firearms (one of which was stolen out of Alachua County). United States currency totaling $112,170.00 was found hidden in the air ducts of the home.
“Drug dealers have no regard for law enforcement jurisdictional boundaries. Successful narcotics investigations that produce significant results require dynamic partnerships and real-time information sharing, which was exactly what we did in this case. We are committed to getting in the trenches, work long and tedious hours and stand alongside our local and federal partners to accomplish the mission. If we know your drugs are destined for Citrus County were coming to get you! PERIOD! This seizure and arrest will have a significant impact in stopping the flow of drugs in Citrus and Marion Counties.”
The following narcotics were found along with amounts and prices listed below:
- Fentanyl 2.8 pounds 12,700 doses $20.00 per dose (1/10 gram) Total $254,000.00
- Cocaine 4.1 pounds 1,859 grams $60.00 per gram Total $111,540.00
- Crack Cocaine 2.2 pounds 997 grams $60.00 per gram Total $59,820.00
- Methamphetamine 4 pounds 2177 grams $60.00 per gram Total $130,620.00
- Cannabis 6.1 pounds 2766 grams $15.00 per gram Total $41,490.00
The combined street value of these narcotics is over $597,470.00.
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