Operation Snow Storm busted 19 suspects in a lengthy Central Florida narcotics investigation.
Sheriff Bob Gualtieri and Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass recently held a press conference to discuss the lengthy narcotics investigation called “Operation Snow Storm.” In August of 2024, detectives launched the investigation, which led to the identification of a large drug trafficking organization in Pinellas County.
On April 28, 2025, with the assistance of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Marshal’s Task Force, detectives arrested 19 suspects with a combined total of 113 charges.
Search warrant locations for Operation Snow Storm:
- 15 North Fernwood Avenue, 13, Clearwater
- 2501 Harn Boulevard, G7, Clearwater
- 223 Dolphin Point, 2, Clearwater Beach
- 223 Dolphin Point, 10, Clearwater Beach
- Extra Space Storage, 1844 North Belcher Road, 251, Clearwater
- 2015 Dodge Dart, FL tag 63BIGW – Ateia family vehicle
“As we know, fentanyl has caused the worst drug epidemic in the history of our country,” Sheriff Gualtieri stated. “It is 100 times more potent than morphine, 50 times more potent than heroin and has literally caused the deaths of thousands of people across the United States.”
“It cannot be emphasized enough how important the S.A.F.E. program is for these major fentanyl investigations,” FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass stated. “S.A.F.E funding and strong interagency partnerships are absolutely crucial when it comes to combating drug trafficking across the state.”
According to local law enforcement, Operation Snow Storm dismantled a significant drug trafficking organization that was operating in Pinellas County for several years. The illegal drugs included cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and fake pills. Several firearms were also seized, including an AK-47, a rifle, and several handguns. There was also $41,000 in cash and a pill press, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff.
