Alexander Santiago-Cpra

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 18 people today in what officials are calling a major crackdown on illegal drugs. The operation is being called Operation Smack Down. Of the 18, three are from Lehigh Acres.

According to Lt. Larry King, who heads the public information department at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said the Narcotics Unit began a series of arrest culminating a year-long investigation into a large heroin trafficking organization operating in Lee County.

King said that an increase in the availability of heroin to local users was detected and prompted what he called a dedicated effort.

Members of the illegal trafficking organization were systematically identified and undercover buys were made from “Trap Houses” locations used by dealers to disperse narcotics to a given area set up by the group.

King that said some 22 suspects face charges ranging from sale and possession of heroin to heroin trafficking.

Edgar Espino

Already 18 have been arrested and are in custody with four suspects still wanted in connection with the network.

In the investigation so far, more than 300 grams of heroin have been seized with an estimated street value of more than $45,000. The operation is putting a large dent in the availability of heroin in the area, he said.

The 18 who were arrested and taken into custody over the past weekend include:

(1) Eric Daniel Santiago, 33, of Lehigh Acres charged with the sale and possession and trafficking of heroin.

(2) Daniel Gonzalez Figueroa, 29 , of Fort Myers, charged with the sale and possession and trafficking of heroin.

Ramses Reyes-Rivera

(3) Darwin Pagan Figueroa, 21, of Fort Myers, charged with the sale and possession and trafficking of heroin.

(4) Luis A. Madera, 51, of Fort Myers, charged with the sale and possession of heroin and cocaine.

(5) Danny R. Vega, 20, of Fort Myers, charged with the sale and possession of heroin.

(6) Carlos Raymond Santiago-Santiago, 19, of Lehigh Acres, charged with the sale and possession and trafficking of heroin.

(7) Carlos Ramon Santiago, 39, of Fort Myers, charged with the sale and possession and trafficking of heroin.

Ismael Rayes

(8) Billy Ruiz, 39, of Lehigh Acres, charged with the sale and possession and trafficking of heroin.

(9) Epifanio Benitez Walker, 40, of Fort Myers, charged with the sale and possession and trafficking of heroin.

(10) Robert Dino Walker, 47, of Fort Myers, charged with the sale and possession of heroin.

(11) Angel Luis Morales-Ruiz, 45, of Fort Myers, charged with the sale, possession and trafficking in heroin.

(12) Leonardo Rivera-Camacho, 30, of Fort Myers, charged with the sale and possession and trafficking in heroin.

(13) Joseph Gilchrist, 23, of Fort Myers, charged with the sale and possession and trafficking in heroin.

(14) Fernando Vasquez, 53, of Fort Myers, charged with the sale and possession of heroin.

(15) Ryan Adorno, 21, of Fort Myers, charged with trafficking in heroin.

(16) Epifanio Benitez, 59, of Fort Myers, charged with the sale and possession and trafficking of heroin.

(17) Alvin Alicea-Torres, 20, of Fort Myers, charged with trafficking of heroin.

(18) Angel D. Rodriguez, 22, of Fort Myers, charged with sale and possession of heroin and cocaine. King said detectives are continuing work at identifying the originating suppliers of the trafficked heroin. Anyone with information on the organization and/or the whereabouts of the four individuals at large is urged to call the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 239-477-1000 or, to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000, Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS. Anonymous tips may also be made online at www.swflcrimestopers.org, through the TIPSubmit app on any iPhone or by texting CRIMES (274637) Keyword: REWARD.

King said the four who are wanted by authorities include:

(1) Ismael Rayes, 49, wanted for the sale and possession of heroin.

(2) Alexander Santiago-Cora, 19, wanted for the sale and possession and trafficking of heroin.

(3) Ramses Reyes-Rivera, 28, wanted for trafficking in heroin.

(4) Edgar Espino, 31, wanted for the sale and possession and trafficking in heroin.

Inmate photos and additional information of the accused are available on the Sheriff’s Office website at: www.sheriffleefl.org under Crime Activity / Inmate Search.