Joint Investigation Cocaine Bust

Monday, Feb 04, 2008 - 10:15 PM

The following is from the Bay County Sheriff's Office:

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office have concluded a two month investigation involving a group of illegal aliens selling trafficking quantities of powder cocaine in the western Bay County area. This operation resulted in the arrest of 5 subjects on charges of Trafficking in Cocaine, and the seizure of approximately 750 grams of cocaine, $16,000 US Currency and three vehicles. The street value of the cocaine is estimated at approximately $75,000.

On February 4, 2008, Agents with the FDLE Panama City Field Office and Investigators with the BCSO Special Investigations Division executed a search warrant on Panama City Beach, FL. Approximately 128 grams of cocaine was previously seized as a result of law enforcement investigative efforts at this location.

The search warrant revealed approximately 349 grams of powder cocaine inside the residence, along with scales and packaging material. Approximately $16,000 US Currency was seized from the residence. Agents located fictitious, blank social security cards and resident alien cards. A 6 month old infant was discovered inside the residence in close proximity to the dangerous drugs. The Florida Department of Children and Families was called to provide emergency shelter to the child.

Raul Solis, Pedro Solis, Adalzu Laguna Fernandes and Alba Nadia Cruz were charged with multiple counts of Sale of Cocaine and Trafficking in Cocaine.

Follow up investigation resulted in the arrest of Salvadore Altamigano Alvarez of Defuniak Springs, FL, and the seizure of over 280 grams of cocaine. Alvarez was charged with Trafficking in Cocaine.

Information concerning the immigration status and criminal activity of the subjects will be provided to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The subjects were booked into the Bay County Jail.

The charges carry a mandatory term of imprisonment of 7 years. This investigation will continue to identify all involved parties and the source of supply for the cocaine.

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