Miami, Florida – A major drug trafficking organization operating in Miami has been dismantled following the arrest of 20 suspects during a coordinated law enforcement operation, authorities confirmed. The arrests were part of “Operation El Primo”, a multi-agency effort involving the Miami Police Department, the FBI, and other federal and state partners.
Police officials described the operation as a second wave of targeted raids aimed at apprehending high-priority defendants linked to federal indictments, including individuals connected to a murder-for-hire plot that was stopped before it could be carried out.
Operation Targets Sophisticated Cocaine Network
According to authorities, the criminal enterprise primarily trafficked cocaine and operated in multiple neighborhoods, including Flagami, Little Havana, and Coral Way. Investigators described the network as sophisticated, with well-established distribution channels and coordinated operations across the city.
During the raids, police seized:
- More than 22 kilograms of cocaine
- Over $120,000 in cash
- Firearms and ammunition
Officials said the seizures represent a significant disruption to illegal drug activity in Miami and will have lasting effects on the organization’s operations.
Police Chief Praises Investigation
Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales praised the efforts of officers and partner agencies involved in the operation.
“This takedown sends a clear and unmistakable message: drug trafficking and the violence that follows it will not be tolerated in Miami,” Morales said in a statement.
He highlighted the dedication of the narcotics detectives from the Special Investigations Section, who contributed hundreds of hours of tireless, often undercover work to bring the operation to a safe and successful conclusion.
Multi-Agency Collaboration Leads to Arrests
The arrests were the result of extensive collaboration between multiple agencies, including:
- Miami Police Department
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida
- Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, led by Katherine Fernandez Rundle
Authorities said the combined effort enabled law enforcement to target the organization’s leadership and disrupt its distribution network.
High-Profile Defendants Apprehended
Police described the 20 suspects as high-priority targets named in recent federal indictments. The arrests not only dismantled the drug trafficking network but also prevented potential violent crimes, including the previously thwarted murder-for-hire plot.
Officials emphasized that taking down such sophisticated criminal enterprises requires careful planning, detailed intelligence, and cooperation across local, state, and federal levels.
Impact on Miami Community
Authorities said the operation underscores the ongoing commitment to public safety in Miami neighborhoods affected by drug trafficking. The removal of key members of the organization is expected to reduce criminal activity, limit the distribution of narcotics, and help curb associated violence.
Chief Morales noted that community safety remains a top priority, and that operations like “El Primo” demonstrate law enforcement’s ability to respond effectively to complex criminal networks.
Share Your Thoughts
What are your thoughts on multi-agency operations like Operation El Primo and their impact on neighborhoods like Flagami, Little Havana, and Coral Way? How can law enforcement continue to disrupt organized drug trafficking while protecting communities?
Share your insights and reactions in the comments below.
