FLORIDA — West Palm Beach police announced the takedown of a major drug trafficking operation following a two-year, multi-agency investigation targeting the distribution of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other illegal narcotics across Palm Beach County.
According to West Palm Beach Police Chief Tony Araujo, the investigation began after a rise in fentanyl-related overdose deaths in the area. The operation involved assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Detectives spent approximately 24 months building a racketeering case against what authorities described as a long-standing drug enterprise operating in West Palm Beach, Belle Glade, and other parts of the county. Grant funding was used to help investigators identify the organization’s leadership structure and street-level dealers.
The investigation, dubbed Operation Old School, resulted in eight alleged organizational leaders being charged with racketeering, along with more than 50 additional felony charges. Authorities said more than 25 street-level drug dealers were also arrested.
During the operation, investigators seized cash, nine firearms, and large quantities of narcotics, including cocaine, marijuana, and more than seven pounds of fentanyl.
Palm Beach County State Attorney Alexcia Cox said the arrests have shut down the operation and will help restore affected neighborhoods. Police also credited community tips with playing a key role in identifying suspects.
