2023

15 undocumented aliens, 39 pounds of meth, 4 pounds of fentanyl seized in Sumter County op

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – This week, Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), in partnership with The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and U.S. Border Patrol agents, concluded a weeklong operation in Sumter County. The successful collaboration with the assistance of the Hernando Sheriff’s Office and Sumter County Sheriff’s Office resulted in the interception of 15 undocumented aliens and confiscation of over four pounds of Fentanyl, enough to kill one million people.

Additionally, 39 pounds of Methamphetamine, over 30 pounds of Marijuana and over $22,000 in U.S. Currency and other illicit contraband including Cocaine, Heroin, and Suboxone were confiscated.

The strike force was formed at the direction of Governor DeSantis to interdict human smuggling and human trafficking and to seize illegal weapons being transported through the state, and has undertaken interdictions across Florida.

“FHP is committed to ensuring safer Florida communities by apprehending individuals who are smuggling undocumented aliens and trafficking dangerous narcotics into our neighborhoods,” said Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Executive Director Dave Kerner. “The outcome of this operation speaks for itself; law enforcement officers statewide are dedicated to remaining a law-and-order state.”

“Every year, FHP patrols over 49,500,000 miles of roadway. Our troopers are responsible for the safety and welfare of millions of Florida citizens and visitors. To us, safety means many things and includes not only a response to a crash or a speed violation, but it also incorporates what may be inside those vehicles,” said Colonel Gene S. Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “When our roadways are patrolled and laws enforced, criminals cannot bring their illicit practices into our state.”

“These successful and proactive operations stop criminal activity as it’s happening and prevent further victimization,” said FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass.  “At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, if your purpose is to hurt others and commit crimes, we are coming after you.”

Operations like this are instrumental to our mission of providing highway safety and security while underscoring the importance of preventing dangerous substances like fentanyl from being trafficked into our State. This operation also highlights the success of multi-agency operations that apprehend human smugglers and undocumented aliens.

The full list of statistics for the operation can be found on the Criminal Interdictions Unit (CIU) document.

###

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) provides highway safety and security through excellence in service, education, and enforcement. Florida is leading the way to A Safer Florida through the efficient and professional execution of its core mission: the issuance of driver licenses, vehicle tags and titles and operation of the Florida Highway Patrol.

To learn more about FLHSMV and the services offered, visit https://www.flhsmv.gov, follow us on Twitter @FLHSMV, find us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram