Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott reported results of a two-month, multi-level drug sweep using Sheriff's Office Narcotics, Pharmaceutical Investigations Law Enforcement, Vice, Highway Interdiction and Felony Warrants Units, along with help from the Innocent Images Task Force launched multiple investigations in Operation Street Sweeper.
More than 200 arrests resulted in interrupting narcotics distribution, prostitution, Internet sex crimes and the removal of wanted fugitives off Lee County streets, Scott said.
"We've seized almost $5 million in illegal drugs, money and property, interceded in identity theft, scooped up wanted felons and plucked a variety of individuals off the street and information highways conducting the business of sexual exploitation of all ages," Scott said.
A roundup Thursday resulted in the capture of 18 of 37 suspects charged in connection with doctor shopping for pain meds. Scott said 250,000 pills with a street value of $3 million were recovered.
The Narcotics Division's Highway Interdiction arrests resulted in seizure of illegal contraband asfollows:
5.5 kilos of cocaine, street value $200,000.
92 pounds of marijuana, street value $275,000.
125,000 doses of Ecstasy, street value$1.25 million.
$88,000 dollars in cash.
$17,000 in stolen property.
$50,000 in grow equipment.
63 fraudulent credit cards, value $630,000.
10 identity theft arrests made on behalf of 600 fraud victims for an estimated $600,000.
Also during the period, two grow houses were discovered with 165 marijuana plants seized with a street value of $500,000.
Sixty-five arrests were made by the division, which included one for metal theft (frequent scrapper) and 15 prostitution arrests.
Since the first of January, 185 warrants have resulted in arrests.
Five men have been charged with intent to commit sexual child abuse, including one suspect arrested in Louisiana.
