FLORIDA — Nine people are facing charges after investigators dismantled a major drug trafficking operation that brought cocaine from Puerto Rico into Central Florida, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation began with a tip and developed into a months-long, multi-agency operation that uncovered large quantities of drugs, cash and firearms.
Authorities said more than 40 kilograms of cocaine were recovered during the investigation. During coordinated search warrants, agents also seized more than six kilograms of cocaine, approximately $1.13 million in cash and dozens of firearms.
Investigators identified Michael Hernandez Maldonado and Paola Sierra as the alleged leaders of the organization.
Deputies said the group transported hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico over an eight-month period, hiding the drugs in secret compartments inside vehicles before distributing them across Central Florida.
Officials also said family members and associates helped launder money connected to the operation.
“Anytime you look at 30 guns, it’s pretty significant,” a law enforcement official said during a briefing. “We all know whenever there’s guns and drugs, it usually involves violence, so I think it was a significant impact.”
Authorities said one suspect remains at large in Puerto Rico.
Hernandez Maldonado is being held on a $1.6 million bond and faces eight charges, including one that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison if convicted.
Officials said the arrests removed a significant source of illegal drugs and weapons from Central Florida communities.
The investigation remains ongoing.
