A major undercover law enforcement operation has led to the arrest of 15 suspects, who authorities say were selling heroin and other narcotics in Manatee County.
Adrian Celestino, 44, of Bradenton, originally from Mexico and was pending deportation is charged with conspiracy to traffic in heroin
Michael Brooks, 34, of Bradenton was charged with conspiracy to traffic in heroin
Deketrick Samuel, 27, of Bradenton was charged with trafficking in heroin
Shadaryl Swilley, 29, of Bradenton is charged with trafficking in heroin
Jonathan Cosme Torres, 29, of Orlando was charged with trafficking in heroin
Josue Cosme Torres, 33, of Orlando was charged with trafficking in heroin
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Attorney General's Office of Statewide Prosecution, State Attorney's Office 12th Judicial Circuit, Bradenton Police Department, Sarasota County Sheriff's Office and Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
"That's what's killing our kids and that's why all these law enforcement agencies are working together to stop it," said Attorney General Pam Bondi.
During the investigation, authorities confiscated about 3 1/2 kilograms of heroin with an estimated street value of $262,500, 3 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of $111,000, 200 grams of fentanyl, 100 hydromorphone pills, 28 firearms, and more than $327,000 in cash and assets.
More arrests are expected, the report states.
"This is a continuing investigation. Thursday we made an arrest and interviews are still being conducted," said Sheriff Brad Steube.
In 2015, the Bradenton Police Department and Manatee County Sheriff's Office investigated 77 heroin-related.
