Lake Worth, FL – A multi-agency drug sting in Lake Worth successfully disrupted a major fentanyl distribution network tied to the Zoe Mafia Family, authorities announced. The operation, called “Operation Unplugged,” seized enough narcotics to potentially kill thousands of people.
Operation Overview
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) Narcotics Task Force identified the area around 9th Avenue and South G Street, known as G-Block, as a hub for distributing fentanyl, xylazine, crack cocaine, MDMA, bath salts, marijuana, and counterfeit prescription medications.
Authorities noted a rise in overdoses in the area over the past five years, prompting a joint operation involving the PBSO, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), West Palm Beach Police Department (WPBPD), and the FBI.
As per CBS12, undercover deputies conducted multiple narcotics purchases, leading to several arrests.
Key Arrests
Russ Sanon (aka “Tee Grizzley”) – 25
- Deputies purchased 64 grams of fentanyl and 28 grams of crack cocaine from Sanon over multiple undercover operations.
- One 15.34-gram fentanyl purchase alone could have caused roughly 7,670 overdoses.
- Charges: three counts of trafficking fentanyl, one count of trafficking cocaine, two counts of selling a Schedule I controlled substance near a place of worship or convenience store, and four counts of selling a Schedule II controlled substance near a place of worship.
Marc Joseph Sherock – 32
- Sold 23 capsules totaling 2.33 grams of fentanyl.
- Booked for two counts of selling fentanyl within 1,000 feet of a church.
Marc Paul – 39
- Sold three grams of Percocet and four grams of fentanyl.
- Booked for selling Schedule I and II substances near a place of worship and trafficking in oxycodone.
Carlens Osterval
- Sold 3.74 grams of cocaine and 1.75 grams of fentanyl while packaging drugs.
- Booked for selling Schedule I and II substances near a place of worship.
David Darius – 32
- Sold 4.19 grams of fentanyl during undercover operations.
- Booked for selling a Schedule I drug near a school and selling controlled substances near a place of worship.
Djovany Michel – 38
- Sold one gram of crack cocaine during a September undercover operation.
- Booked for selling a Schedule II controlled substance near a place of worship.
Law Enforcement Statement
Authorities emphasized the serious public health threat posed by the fentanyl pipeline. PBSO and partner agencies praised the undercover deputies for their work in dismantling the network and arresting members of the Zoe Mafia Family responsible for widespread drug distribution.
What are your thoughts on community safety and drug enforcement efforts?
Share your opinion in the comments — should authorities increase undercover operations to curb the rise of fentanyl and other deadly drugs?
