Forty-nine individuals have been arrested in connection with a major undercover investigation into drug trafficking organizations operating across several Central Florida counties. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the results of "Operation Ice Breaker II" on Thursday, July 23, 2026, detailing how coordinated efforts dismantled networks distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
Coordinated Raids Across Central Florida
The year-long investigation culminated in synchronized search warrants executed on June 30. Law enforcement agencies from multiple jurisdictions collaborated to execute these warrants, including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Volusia Sheriff’s Office, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, and Daytona Beach Police Department. The operations targeted counties such as Polk, Volusia, Flagler, Marion, Orange, Saint Johns, and others.
Officials stated that suspects were primarily selling fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine throughout these regions. Investigators utilized trap-and-trace orders, phone tapping, surveillance, and controlled purchases to map out the various levels of the alleged drug operations. During the raids, authorities confiscated drugs, cash, digital scales, telephones, cutting agents, and other evidence linking suspects to criminal activities.
Targeting Gangs Near Residential Areas
A significant portion of the operation focused on Volusia County, where Sheriff Mike Chitwood highlighted a raid near Holly Hill. The search warrant targeted a building located less than 30 feet from a church used to house homeless individuals and those seeking assistance.
Sheriff Chitwood stated that drugs were being distributed from this location and that guns involved in recent shootings originated there. He identified the suspects as members of the "Cut Throat Murderers" gang, noting they were primarily selling fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. The pastor of the nearby church told FOX 35 she was unaware of any illegal activities occurring inside the building.
Impact on Local Communities
Attorney General Uthmeier emphasized that this joint investigation dismantled a criminal organization responsible for pumping deadly drugs into Florida communities. "Florida families deserve safe streets free of dangerous drugs, and we will continue holding every member of this organization fully accountable," Uthmeier said in a prepared statement.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood described the arrested individuals as "merchants of death" now behind bars, stating that Volusia County is better off due to their removal. Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young added that drug trafficking fuels violence and addiction, impacting quality of life in the community.
The individual cases will be prosecuted by the Office of Statewide Prosecution in collaboration with the State Attorney for the Seventh Judicial Circuit. The Florida Attorney General’s Office indicated that more arrests are expected as the investigation continues to unfold.
