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NewsTelemundo 51 Miami – Noticias LocalesAugust 17, 2026Miami-Dade

Florida authorities dismantle drug trafficking network in 'Operation Beneath the Surface'

Law enforcement agencies arrested 17 individuals and filed over 200 felony charges against a cocaine distribution network operating across Florida. The multi-agency investigation, dubbed 'Operation Beneath the Surface,' resulted in the seizure of narcotics and firearms, with three additional suspects currently at large.

law enforcementnarcoticspublic safetycriminal justice
Read the full story at Telemundo 51 Miami – Noticias Locales

Why It Matters

The operation impacts public safety in Indiantown, Stuart, Port St. Lucie, and Daytona Beach by disrupting a supply chain that authorities claim was distributing significant quantities of cocaine and other illicit substances.

Key Facts

  • 17 individuals have been arrested in connection with a drug trafficking network.
  • The suspects face a total of more than 200 felony charges.
  • 3 suspects identified by authorities remain at large.
  • The operation, named 'Beneath the Surface,' involved months of surveillance and undercover purchases.
  • Seized items include 4 kilos of cocaine, 3 ounces of methamphetamine, 2 pounds of marijuana, and 8 firearms.
  • The network operated out of Indiantown and supplied narcotics to Stuart, Port St. Lucie, and Daytona Beach.
  • The investigation began with small undercover purchases of cocaine that escalated to kilo-level offers.
  • The investigation remains open, and authorities anticipate the possibility of further arrests.

Who's Mentioned

personJohn Budensiek“Sheriff of Martin County.”organizationFBI“Federal Bureau of Investigation; participated in the investigation.”organizationDEA“Drug Enforcement Administration; participated in the investigation.”organizationHomeland Security Investigations“Federal agency involved in the investigation.”organizationHSI“Homeland Security Investigations; participated in the investigation.”locationIndiantown“Primary base of operations for the network.”personCecil Trimble“Identified as a primary cocaine supplier for the organization.”