Florida arrests 49 alleged traffickers in sweeping five-county drug investigation
Tallahassee, Florida – A months-long investigation stretching across five Florida counties has ended with 49 alleged traffickers under arrest and a major drug distribution network disrupted. Authorities say the organization moved fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and other controlled substances through communities from Volusia County to Central Florida.
The arrests were the result of Operation Ice Breaker II, a coordinated effort that relied on wiretaps, surveillance, controlled drug purchases and court-authorized tracking tools. The investigation began in fall 2025 and continued through late June 2026.
Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that the Office of Statewide Prosecution and the State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s Seventh Judicial Circuit had charged dozens of defendants. The suspected trafficking networks operated across Volusia, Flagler, Saint Johns, Marion and Orange counties.
“This joint investigation dismantled a criminal organization that pumped deadly fentanyl and other dangerous drugs into Florida communities,” Uthmeier said.
“Through the tireless work of Florida’s law enforcement, state attorneys, and our statewide prosecutors, we have arrested 49 traffickers and disrupted these networks.”
Investigators executed search warrants at key locations around June 30. Officers recovered narcotics, cash, cellular phones, digital scales containing residue, cutting agents and other evidence allegedly connected to drug distribution.
Three men were identified as primary defendants accused of leading the organization.
Vetrick Maurice Shavers Jr. faces conspiracy and trafficking charges involving fentanyl. His most serious charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and a $100,000 fine.
Richard Gene Hocker III is charged with conspiring to traffic at least 28 grams of fentanyl, an offense carrying a 25-year mandatory minimum and a $500,000 fine. He also faces separate fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking charges.
Antonio Bejon Lee faces three counts of trafficking at least 28 grams of fentanyl. Each count carries a possible 25-year mandatory minimum sentence and a $500,000 fine. Additional fentanyl trafficking and conspiracy counts were also filed.
Other defendants face allegations involving drug delivery, possession with intent to sell, firearm offenses, unlawful use of communication devices and maintaining locations or vehicles used for drug sales.
The operation involved the Daytona Beach Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit, the Volusia Bureau of Investigation, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office and additional agencies.
“This work is never done, but thanks to a relentless approach and a lot of great teamwork, Volusia County is better off today,” Sheriff Mike Chitwood said.
Statewide prosecutors and the Seventh Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office will handle the cases. Authorities said the investigation remains active, with more arrests and charges expected.
