FBI Busts Alleged Cocaine Smuggling Ring in Town 'N' Country, Florida
Get personalized newsletters for any city in the world with Headline, sign up here.
The FBI's recent operation in Town 'N' Country, Florida, led to the dismantling of an alleged cocaine smuggling ring that had been operating from a trailer on Middlesex Drive. During the raid in August, agents used flashbangs to surprise the residents, resulting in the arrest of three individuals: Eber Lopez, Eduardo Ponce Tondee, and John Hernandez Martin. Lopez managed to evade capture initially but was apprehended after eight days in Polk County on charges of trafficking and escaping law enforcement. The investigation revealed a network where cocaine was being shipped from Puerto Rico to various locations in the Tampa area, and Lopez was responsible for collecting these shipments. Witness testimonies indicated that individuals were being paid to receive the drug parcels on behalf of Lopez.
Tina Culkin was also arrested as part of the operation, while Jaime Rivera, another suspect, is still on the run. The successful bust highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to combat drug trafficking in the region. The community remains on alert as law enforcement continues to address the issue of drug-related crime.