DOJ Seal

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
Northern District of Florida

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Pamela C. Marsh
, United States Attorney
Contact: Antony Joseph

Task Force Puts Drug Trafficking Ring Out of Business

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – United States Attorney Pamela C. Marsh announced the culmination of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation “King of the Trap.”

The operation targeted a drug trafficking organization that was responsible for distributing in excess of 100 kilograms of cocaine and 500 pounds of marijuana in the north central panhandle of Florida between 2008 and 2013.  The investigation led to the arrest and prosecution of 43 federal defendants, whose sentences ranged from three years of probation to life imprisonment.

As a result of the operation, law enforcement personnel seized nine kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of crack cocaine, three pounds of marijuana, and 220 grams of methamphetamine.  In addition, the investigation resulted in the seizure of 14 firearms and assets valued in excess of $120,000.

U.S. Attorney Marsh praised the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the office of Homeland Security Investigations, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, the Tallahassee Police Department, and the Perry Police Department for their hard work, dedication, and expertise in the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of this case.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason R. Coody.

Tampa Field Division