Massive bust, epic takedown: Florida cocaine empire destroyed, more than two dozen criminals behind bars
Florida – A huge federal case has begun in South Florida after prosecutors revealed charges against 24 individuals accused to have been involved in a big cocaine trafficking ring based in Miami-Dade County. A new indictment that was made public in Miami reveals a supposed conspiracy that carried a lot of cocaine around South Florida and, in some cases, even outside of the area.
The indictment lists 24 people as defendants, most of whom live in Miami. Others live in Miami Beach, Miami Lakes, Hialeah, Naples, and nearby locations. Prosecutors said that the group worked together to sell large amounts of cocaine, acting as an organized network instead of separate dealers. The charges include conspiracy to sell cocaine and other drug-related crimes.
According to the Department of Justice, the investigation is the result of months of joint operation between federal investigators and the Miami Police Department. Authorities said the investigation was a long-term effort that included monitoring, undercover operations, and coordinated enforcement efforts to break up what they called a severe threat to public safety.
Court documents show that the inquiry led to several narcotics seizures earlier this year. About seven kilograms of cocaine were found by police on April 1. Agents took another 10 kg on May 27, less than two months later. Authorities say that such seizures were just a small part of the drugs linked to the suspected conspiracy.
The investigation also uncovered large amounts of cash and weapons. Agents recovered more than $58,000 in cash and two guns at Bienvenido Rodriguez’s house. Investigators took more than $62,000 in cash, two guns, and more than 100 rounds of ammunition from the residence of Raimundo Antonio Roca-Naranjo. Roca-Naranjo, who has a previous felony record, is also being charged with illegally possessing firearms and ammunition.
Prosecutors believe the case was more than just drug trafficking. The investigation additionally terminated a supposed murder-for-hire operation in Southwest Florida. According to court papers filed in the Middle District of Florida, two defendants talked about killing someone for up to $30,000 in mid-April. Investigators found out that the plan included a co-conspirator who had been hired by the brother of the intended victim. The FBI and local police captured the suspects at a meeting in a Naples grocery store parking lot before any violence could break out.
The indictment includes forfeiture allegations seeking cash, property, and other assets believed to be connected to the crimes. If found guilty, some defendants could spend the rest of their lives in prison, while others could get sentences of 20 to 40 years, depending on what they did and what charges they face.
Federal officials stressed that the prosecution is part of a campaign to break up organized drug trafficking networks and stop violence related to drugs before it gets to the community.
