Nine people are facing charges after investigators dismantled a major drug trafficking operation that brought cocaine from Puerto Rico into Central Florida, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation began with a tip and evolved into a months-long, multi-agency operation that turned up enormous amounts of drugs, cash, and weaponry.
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Authorities say more than 40 kilograms of cocaine were discovered during the investigation. During coordinated search warrants, agents confiscated more than six kilograms of cocaine, $1.13 million in cash, and dozens of firearms.
Investigators named Michael Hernandez Maldonado and Paola Sierra as the organization’s accused leaders.
Deputies claimed the group moved hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico over an eight-month period, concealing the contraband in hidden compartments within vehicles and distributing it around Central Florida.
Officials also claimed that family members and allies helped launder money related to the enterprise.
“Anytime you look at 30 guns, it’s pretty significant,” a law enforcement official said at a briefing. “We all know whenever there’s guns and drugs, it usually involves violence, so I think it was a significant impact.”
Authorities stated one suspect is still at large in Puerto Rico.
Hernandez Maldonado is being held on a $1.6 million bond and faces eight charges, one of which carries a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison if convicted.
Officials stated that the arrests eliminated a large source of illegal drugs and firearms from Central Florida neighborhoods.
The investigation is underway.
