Lakeland Heroin Trafficking Investigation Nets 17 Arrests

LAKELAND, FL — Seventeen people face a long list of charges, including the potential for federal ones, following a three-month undercover operation conducted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in cooperation with Lakeland Police.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced the results of the operation during a Thursday media conference. The sheriff’s office said that 51 felony and 27 misdemeanor charges were filed as a result of the effort. Authorities also seized more than 600 grams of heroin with a street value estimated at $72,000. In addition, more than 5 pounds of marijuana, six firearms and $23,000 in cash were seized by law enforcement. The agency noted five suspected heroin deaths were also connected to the investigation.

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“There has been a disturbing rise nationwide in deaths associated with heroin and fentanyl,” Judd said in a Thursday statement. "Our deputies are working hard to put these heroin dealers behind bars through proactive investigations. It is also our mission to hold those accountable for each and every heroin overdose death that we can link back to the sale of heroin.”

The sheriff’s office reports in 2017 so far there have been eight deaths in unincorporated Polk County that are suspected to involve heroin overdoses. Of those eight, five are believed to be related to people charged during the recent undercover operation. All five of the deceased were from Lakeland.

For a full listing of those arrested, visit the Polk County Sheriff’s Office online.

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