Twenty-five people have been identified in a major organized drug trafficking enterprise, Polk County deputies said Wednesday.
Working with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and other law enforcement agencies, an investigation was initiated in October 2013, leading to the organization’s methamphetamine supplier, Javier Flores, aka, “El Don.” Flores, who resides in southern California, managed large scale methamphetamine shipments to Lakeland, Florida, Atlanta, Georgia, and Las Vegas, Nevada through southern California from Mexico, investigators said. The organization included a network of couriers, managers, distributors and customers.
Flores consulted a Voodoo priest who would provide predictions, prophecies and readings regarding the organization’s decisions and welfare, deputies said.
In February, detectives intercepted a $200,170 cash delivery meant to pay for methamphetamine from a courier. On Tuesday, March 18, investigators intercepted 44 pounds of methamphetamine at Love’s Truck Stop, 1800 Florida 559, in Polk City. The “uncut” street value of this amount is approximately $2 million.
Detectives also arrested 13 suspects on Tuesday, seized tens of thousands of dollars, seven vehicles, approximately 100 weapons, bullet-proof vests, and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Two children, ages 1 and 3, were removed from a residence and placed into DCF custody.
During the investigation detectives and agents learned two of those involved in the methamphetamine network were Josh Widdows, 30, and TJ Scott, 24, both of Lakeland. Widdows and Scott were known to associate with Matthew Tutt, the man responsible for shooting and severely injuring two PCSO deputies in June 2010, deputies also said.
Both Widdows and Scott were selling meth on the streets of Polk County.
