PCSO, CF HIDTA & Multiple Agencies Charge 32 in “Operation Capital City Crack Down” Drug Trafficking Bust

Aug 25, 2025 | Josh P

Winter Haven, FL – August 22, 2025 – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), working alongside the Central Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (CF HIDTA) Task Force and numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, today announced the successful culmination of “Operation Capital City Crack Down”. This year-long investigation targeted a sophisticated drug trafficking organization operating primarily out of Bartow, FL.

Investigation & Partnerships

Launched in August 2024, the investigation united PCSO’s Tactical Drug and Organized Crime Units with CF HIDTA Task Force efforts. It was supported by the State Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), United States Postal Inspection Service, Medical Examiner’s Office, FBI, Bartow Police, and Auburndale Police Department.

Key Developments

Execution & Seizures

These defendants bring with them a staggering criminal history: 554 previous felonies and 394 misdemeanors combined. One individual, an undocumented national from Venezuela, is now subject to ICE notification.

Sheriff’s Statement

“This operation highlights the deadly nature and extensive reach of drug trafficking networks. We’re not just dealing with illegal narcotics—we’re seeing fentanyl that can kill mass numbers, firearms in the hands of convicted felons, and a supplier now charged with murder. Thanks to tireless collaboration with our detectives and partner agencies, 32 suspects are behind bars and this criminal network is dismantled.” – Sheriff Grady Judd.


Read the full official release here: PCSO News Release


Why This Matters to CF HIDTA and the Community

This case exemplifies the potency of HIDTA-supported, multi-jurisdictional investigations in combating high-impact drug trafficking. CF HIDTA’s role in this operation demonstrates the strategic value and effectiveness such collaborations bring to dismantling dangerous criminal organizations and protecting Central Florida communities.