CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. – A joint operation led to the largest fentanyl seizure in the history of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). The operation, spanning seven months and multiple counties, culminated in the seizure of enough fentanyl to potentially kill over three million people.]
The investigation began in February 2024 after law enforcement received information about a large-scale drug trafficking operation. Detectives from the CCSO Tactical Impact Unit, along with agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, worked together to dismantle the organization.
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On August 15th, 2024, search warrants were executed at a residence in Homosassa and two locations in Pasco County. In Homosassa, law enforcement seized:
- Over 6 kilograms (13 pounds) of fentanyl
- Nearly 150 grams of methamphetamine
- 22 firearms (three stolen)
- $10,808 in cash
The seized fentanyl included both pressed kilogram “bricks” and thousands of counterfeit pills designed to look like prescription opioids.
The DEA has issued a Public Safety Alert warning that 6 out of 10 fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl. This seizure underscores the serious threat posed by these counterfeit pills.
“Enough fentanyl to kill over three million people has been taken off the streets in this one operation,” said Sheriff Prendergast. “Thursday, while our news conference on a pill mill was taking place, our TIU was serving this warrant. We will never tolerate drug trafficking in Citrus County. Thanks to this unified effort with our local, state, and federal partners, another illegal drug organization has been shut down. I continue to fulfill the promise I made on day one as your Sheriff: Illicit narcotics will not be tolerated in Citrus County.”
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The investigation remains ongoing and further details are not being released at this time. The successful operation highlights the importance of collaboration between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in the fight against drug trafficking.
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