Winter Haven, FL – A major drug trafficking operation based in Bartow has been dismantled following a year-long investigation that led to the arrest of 32 suspects and the seizure of guns, narcotics, and luxury items — including what Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd dramatically showcased as “$50,000 worth of drip.”
Sheriff’s Statement and Visual Display
During a press conference Friday, Sheriff Grady Judd made a pointed statement by wearing a thick gold chain, bracelet, and waving a gun — all items seized from the suspects involved in “Operation Capital City Crackdown.” The investigation uncovered an entrenched drug network allegedly led by Nathaniel Donald, who Judd described as “the head of the snake.”
“I got their drip. I got their money. We got their guns. We got their dope,” Judd declared.
Operation Details and Drug Seizures
According to officials, eight search warrants were executed across Polk County, with another in Orange County. Authorities seized a combined $150,000 in illegal drugs, including:
- Fentanyl
- Crack cocaine
- Marijuana
- MDMA
- Oxycodone, hydrocodone, ketamine
Several of the suspects were already on probation or pre-trial release at the time of their arrest. As per Fox13, firearms were also recovered from convicted felons, with the group collectively holding 554 felony charges and 394 misdemeanors on record.
Connection to Overdose Death
Judd highlighted one case in particular involving Troy Walker, who allegedly sold drugs to a 65-year-old woman the night before she was found dead the next morning while walking to church. Walker has since been indicted for first-degree murder by a grand jury.
“She died so Nate could have this drip,” Judd said. “He’s buying this drip from selling drugs to people on the streets, one of which died.”
Bartow Police and State Response
Bartow Police Chief Stephen Walker praised the multi-agency effort for aiding in the crackdown:
“We know we have problems and we do what we can. Sometimes they’re outside of our scope… so we rely on that assistance.”
FDLE’s Brannon Sheely emphasized that law enforcement will continue to go beyond jurisdictional boundaries to disrupt trafficking networks.
“Drug traffickers don’t have a safe haven.”
Grady Judd’s Message to the Public
Sheriff Judd emphasized that these suspects are repeat offenders and won’t stop unless incarcerated.
“Where you see $50,000 in drip, you see guns, and you see first-degree murder from overdose,” Judd stated.
His dramatic display of their seized assets aimed to underscore the real cost of drug activity — both to communities and the individuals targeted by illegal sales.
What are your thoughts on Sheriff Judd’s approach? Does the “drip” demonstration make the message stronger or distract from the issue? Share your thoughts in the comments.
