LCSO: Cocaine enterprise blown open
A large-scale cocaine distribution ring stemming from Puerto Rico to Lee County has been shut down thanks to great law enforcement teamwork.
A routine K-9 sniff by interdiction dogs identified a shipment of drugs destined for Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres. U.S. Postal inspectors secured search warrants for the parcels and a coordinated operation involving the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Department of Homeland Security led to the identification of a potential suspect.
Joint search warrants were served at two residences:
– 2804 S.W. 20th St.
– 623 S.W. 23rd Terrace, Cape Coral
As a result, more than 11 pounds of powder cocaine was seized, with a conservative street value of $250,000.
A handgun was also recovered at the Cape residence, along with evidence of drug packaging, weighing and distribution.
Nearly $14,500 in drug proceeds was also seized.
The investigation revealed that Francisco Manuel Velez Melendez, 38, of 623 S.W. 23rd Terrace, Cape Coral, was importing the cocaine from Puerto Rico for distribution throughout Lee County.
Additionally, another suspect, Alfredo Perez, 38, of 2804 S.W. 40th St., was assisting Melendez in receiving cocaine from Puerto Rico at the Lehigh address.
Melendez is charged with trafficking in cocaine over 200 grams, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Perez is charged with trafficking in cocaine over 500 grams.
Source: Lee County Sheriff’s Office
LCSO: Cocaine enterprise blown open
A large-scale cocaine distribution ring stemming from Puerto Rico to Lee County has been shut down thanks to great law enforcement teamwork.
A routine K-9 sniff by interdiction dogs identified a shipment of drugs destined for Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres. U.S. Postal inspectors secured search warrants for the parcels and a coordinated operation involving the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Department of Homeland Security led to the identification of a potential suspect.
Joint search warrants were served at two residences:
– 2804 S.W. 20th St.
– 623 S.W. 23rd Terrace, Cape Coral
As a result, more than 11 pounds of powder cocaine was seized, with a conservative street value of $250,000.
A handgun was also recovered at the Cape residence, along with evidence of drug packaging, weighing and distribution.
Nearly $14,500 in drug proceeds was also seized.
The investigation revealed that Francisco Manuel Velez Melendez, 38, of 623 S.W. 23rd Terrace, Cape Coral, was importing the cocaine from Puerto Rico for distribution throughout Lee County.
Additionally, another suspect, Alfredo Perez, 38, of 2804 S.W. 40th St., was assisting Melendez in receiving cocaine from Puerto Rico at the Lehigh address.
Melendez is charged with trafficking in cocaine over 200 grams, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Perez is charged with trafficking in cocaine over 500 grams.
Source: Lee County Sheriff’s Office
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