Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that a drug trafficking investigation has led to 51 arrests and the seizure of more than 70 pounds of methamphetamine and 10 pounds of fentanyl in Central Florida. The operation targeted affiliates of the Valentine Bloods gang and uncovered links extending to California.
“This was a highly organized, fentanyl-pushing enterprise operating in Central Florida that had ties all the way to California,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “We will continue dismantling these organizations form the top down. Anyone who traffics these poisons in Florida will be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent.”
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd commented on the impact of these crimes, stating, “Traffickers of methamphetamine and fentanyl are literally murdering people and tearing apart families. The men and women who go after these drug dealers are doing a noble, but dangerous job—putting their own lives on the line, to protect their communities from the drug traffickers who are profiting from this destruction.”
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Special Agent in Charge Mark Brutnell described the investigation as effective in tackling major criminal activity: “This investigation is a masterclass on how to effectively identify, disrupt, and dismantle drug trafficking organizations that are wreaking havoc across Florida. Thanks to our investigative teams, prosecutors and the benefit of the S.A.F.E. program, we can continue to ensure the safety of the state of Florida.”
The joint investigation involved the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Office of Statewide Prosecution, and Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It began in August 2025 and focused on a drug operation spanning several counties—Polk, Hillsborough, Pasco, Orange—and linked back to California.
From October 2025 through January 2026, law enforcement conducted surveillance that enabled them to intercept communications related to arranging drug transactions. Of those arrested or charged, 14 were identified as part of the Valentine Bloods gang. A total of 35 defendants face charges including trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl, conspiracy to traffic drugs, racketeering, and conspiracy to commit racketeering.
Currently, 31 defendants are in custody; one individual was located in Kansas for extradition back to Florida while four others have outstanding warrants.
The office of Attorney General Uthmeier works statewide with law enforcement agencies on initiatives like these investigations. According to its official website https://www.myfloridalegal.com/, it also supports community safety through programs for seniors and military members as well as public education about fraud prevention and consumer protection. The Attorney General’s office provides resources such as consumer alerts about scams and complaint services for residents across Florida.