Palm Beach County, FL — A large-scale drug trafficking ring that operated across several Florida counties — and even into another state — has been dismantled following an extensive investigation known as “Operation Slow N Go.”
The takedown was announced by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier during a Tuesday morning press conference in West Palm Beach.
“Here in Florida, we throw the book at you. We are not soft on crime. We do not believe in leniency,” said Uthmeier, emphasizing the state’s tough stance against organized narcotics operations.
Operation Spanned Multiple Florida Counties and Beyond
According to law enforcement officials, the drug trafficking network operated not only in Palm Beach County, but also extended across Miami-Dade County, St. Lucie County, Okeechobee County, and even reached Suffolk County, Virginia.
The investigation revealed that two traffickers were using the 45th Street Flea Market in West Palm Beach as a front for drug distribution.
During raids, agents recovered more than 2,200 grams of illegal narcotics, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, testosterone, and xylazine, an animal sedative often mixed into street drugs. Authorities also seized over 500 pharmaceutical pills, along with handguns and automatic rifles.
“Of course, where you take down a large drug operation, you find weapons. Several handguns and automatic rifles were seized as well,” Uthmeier stated.
Local Residents React to the Bust
Nearby residents expressed shock at learning about such a major drug operation so close to home. Vincent Foster, who lives near the flea market, said, “That’s some heavyweight stuff. You would expect something like that in Cambodia or overseas or something. I didn’t think it would happen in my backyard. That surprises me.”
Felony Warrants and Arrests
Authorities issued seven felony arrest warrants across Palm Beach and Okeechobee Counties. Five individuals have already been taken into custody on serious felony charges connected to the operation:
Gary Devon West
- Charged with conspiracy to commit racketeering
- Trafficking in fentanyl
Darryl “Unc” Butler
- Charged with conspiracy to commit racketeering
Andres Chaves
- Charged with conspiracy to deliver fentanyl
James Thiele
- Facing charges for trafficking in methamphetamine
Robert Townsend
- Charged with trafficking in methamphetamine
Officials say additional arrests are expected as the investigation continues.
Multi-Agency Collaboration Made Operation Possible
Attorney General Uthmeier was joined by several top law enforcement officials, including Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek, Palm Beach County Chief Deputy Robert Allen, Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office Captain Robert Coleman, West Palm Beach Police Assistant Chief Alfred Musco, and Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Chris Owen.
“If you commit crime in Florida, we can catch you in another state, we can catch you anywhere in the state of Florida, because we’ve broken down the barriers,” said Sheriff John Budensiek, underscoring the cooperative effort among agencies.
Assistant Chief Al Musco of the West Palm Beach Police Department praised the unified efforts that led to the successful takedown. “This is a testament to what we can accomplish when we all come together, work together collectively, for the safety of our citizens and our communities,” Musco said.
Conclusion
Officials believe Operation Slow N Go has already made a measurable difference. According to recent reports, fentanyl overdose numbers have declined in Palm Beach County as a result of operations like this one.
Attorney General Uthmeier expressed gratitude for the proactive role of local sheriffs and partner agencies, noting that collaborative enforcement efforts are driving down crime rates across the region.
He also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to eradicating large-scale drug operations: “We will continue to go after anyone who profits from poisoning our communities. This is just one example of how Florida is fighting back.”
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