Boynton Beach, FL – In a significant victory against drug trafficking, law enforcement agencies arrested 19 individuals in connection with an extensive drug trafficking network operating across Palm Beach and Broward Counties. The crackdown, known as “Operation Trackside,” culminated after 14 months of investigation and cooperative efforts among multiple agencies.
The arrests were announced following the successful execution of 17 search warrants on September 3, 2025, leading to the seizure of thousands of grams of narcotics, firearms, cash, vehicles, and a boat. This effort marks a decisive strike against the influx of dangerous drugs like fentanyl and cocaine in the South Florida area.
The Collaborative Effort Behind Operation Trackside
The investigation started when authorities received an anonymous handwritten letter in July 2024 reporting concerns about drug trafficking activities in a local neighborhood. This tip initiated an extensive probe that involved several law enforcement bodies including:
- Boynton Beach Police Department
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
- Palm Beach County and Broward County Sheriff’s Offices
- Police Departments of Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton
- U.S. Marshals Service
- Florida Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution
Boynton Beach Police Chief Joe DeGiulio emphasized the scale of the coordination, stating:
“This operation marks a major victory in our fight against the deadly flow of fentanyl and cocaine into our communities. The execution of this operation was a complete team effort and we are not done yet.”
Details of the Arrests and Seizures
On the day of action, officers served 17 search warrants across various locations tied to the trafficking network, resulting in the apprehension of 19 suspects.
As per CBS12, The arrests involved individuals ranging in age from their 30s to their 70s and from diverse locales such as Boynton Beach, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Mangonia Park, Riviera Beach, Greenacres, and Fort Lauderdale.
Authorities seized a significant amount of evidence, including:
- 5,047 grams of fentanyl and cocaine combined
- Six handguns and two semi-automatic rifles
- $452,026 in cash
- 11 vehicles and a boat
Several individuals faced multiple felony charges, including trafficking, conspiracy, and possession offenses. Some notable arrests include:
- Garett Deshawn Sutton Jr. (46) of Boynton Beach, facing trafficking charges for fentanyl and cocaine and criminal conspiracy.
- Antonio Robinson (44) of Lake Worth, charged with cocaine trafficking and oxycodone trafficking amongst other felonies.
- Kira Ezra Jones II (30) of Boca Raton, charged with fentanyl and cocaine trafficking and conspiracy.
Intense Surveillance and Investigation Efforts
The success of Operation Trackside relied heavily on exhaustive surveillance that lasted more than a year, culminating in intensive monitoring during the final 70 days. Boynton Beach Police Sergeant Daryn Whitefield explained the investigative rigor:
“For the last 70 days, we were on these guys 70 days straight, 12 to 16 hours a day following them around. Many suspects maintained two residences—one for sleeping and another for their drug activities.”
Chief DeGiulio also stressed that the arrested individuals are considered high-level drug suppliers, making the investigation complex and time-consuming.
Expert Insights on Fentanyl and Law Enforcement Collaboration
John Vecchio, Special Agent in Charge at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Miami Regional Operation Center, highlighted the deadly threat posed by fentanyl and the importance of multi-agency cooperation:
“Fentanyl is deadly and appears in almost every drug seized by police departments in this state. It is our mission at FDLE to promote public safety and to continue our partnership to eradicate this poison from our communities.”
Looking Ahead: More Arrests and Ongoing Efforts
The arrested suspects are currently held in the Palm Beach County Jail, facing multiple felony drug charges. Police officials anticipate further arrests as the investigation continues.
Operation Trackside symbolizes a critical, cooperative endeavor to disrupt sophisticated drug networks that fuel addiction and violence in South Florida.
Key Takeaways from Operation Trackside
- Operation spanned 14 months with detailed surveillance and collaboration.
- 19 high-level drug traffickers arrested across Palm Beach and Broward Counties.
- Seizure of over 5 kilograms of narcotics, firearms, cash, vehicles, and a boat.
- Complex trafficking network dismantled including sources of fentanyl and cocaine supply.
- Multi-agency task force collaboration key to the operation’s success.
What do you think about this major drug bust? Have you noticed drug trafficking issues in your neighborhood? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
