$1.7M In Drugs, Weapons Seized From Dealers: Manatee County Sheriff

BRADENTON, FL — A local drug dealer was arrested in Bradenton earlier this month and more than $1.7 million worth of illegal drugs and weapons were seized, according to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office news release.

Undercover detectives began investigating fentanyl sales, which appeared to be operated by a group of dealers, at a home on 6th Street in November.

After making an undercover drug purchase, detectives identified Maurice Baxter, 23, as one of the dealers, deputies said.

They learned that he was part of a drug trafficking organization that was already being investigated by other MCSO detectives, funded through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication program. Using these funds, the detectives continued to purchase fentanyl and later obtained a search warrant for the home, as well as an arrest warrant for Baxter.

The MCSO SWAT team executed the search warrant at the home and detained the only person there, 40-year-old Tron Williams. Baxter hasn’t been found yet, deputies said. During the search, detectives found a bedroom on the second floor that appeared to belong to Williams.

• 12.3 kilograms of fentanyl (including liquid pharmaceutical-grade citrate)
• 1 kilogram of cocaine
• 1 kilogram of MDMA (ecstasy/Molly)
• 273 grams of methamphetamine
• 822 grams of marijuana
• 29.4 grams of Adderall

“This is the most significant fentanyl seizure in Manatee County history, and our community and neighboring counties are safer because of it,” Sheriff Rick Wells said.

Detectives continue to investigate the case and have obtained warrants to compare DNA found on the narcotics packaging. The street value of the fentanyl seized is estimated at $1.4 million, contributing to a total narcotic value of $1.7 million from this operation.

Williams was charged with trafficking in fentanyl, trafficking in methamphetamine, trafficking in cocaine and trafficking in MDMA. He is currently being held in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Detectives also found multiple firearms, including an FN Five-seven handgun, nicknamed “the cop killer” because its ammunition can penetrate certain types of soft body armor, deputies said.

More than 1,000 rounds of various types of ammunition were found in Williams’ bedroom. A vehicle was also seized during the operation.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Baxter is asked to contact the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at 941-747-3011.

To remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward, contact Manatee County Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS or visit ManateeCrimeStoppers.com.