LCSO reports on “Operation Smack Down”
On Friday Nov.4, 2011 the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit began a series of arrests culminating a year long investigation into a large heroin trafficking organization operating in Lee County. An increase in the availability of heroin to local users was detected and prompted a dedicated effort. Members of the illegal trafficking organization were systematically identified and undercover buys were made from “Trap Houses” (locations used by dealers to disperse narcotics to a given area) set up by the group.
Upon the conclusion of the investigation 22 suspects face charges ranging from sale and possession of heroin to heroin trafficking. Eighteen have been placed into custody with four suspects still wanted in connection with the network.
As a result of the investigation, so far, over 300 grams of heroin has been seized with an estimated street value of more than $45,000. The operation is putting a large dent in the availability of heroin in the area.
Detectives are continuing work at identifying the originating supplier(s) of the trafficked heroin. Anyone with information on the organization and/or the whereabouts of the four individuals at-large is urged to call the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 477-1000 or, to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000, Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS. Anonymous tips may also be made online at www.swflcrimestoppers.org, through the TipSubmit app on any iPhone or by texting CRIMES (274637) Keyword: REWARD.
Arrested:
(1) Eric Daniel Santiago, age 33 (d-o-b 7/28/78), of Lehigh Acres – Sale/Possession/Trafficking Heroin
(2) Daniel Gonzalez Figueroa, age 29 (d-o-b 11/27/81), of Fort Myers – Sale/Possession/Trafficking Heroin
(3) Darwin Pagan Figueroa, age 21 (d-o-b 8/19/89), of Fort Myers – Sale/Possession/Trafficking Heroin
(4) Luis A. Madera, age 51 (d-o-b 4/26/60), of Fort Myers – Sale/Possession/ Heroin and Cocaine
(5) Danny R. Vega, age 20 (d-o-b 11/28/90), of Fort Myers – Sale/Possession/ Heroin
(6) Carlos Raymond Santiago-Santiago, age 19 (d-o-b 3/8/92), of Lehigh Acres – Sale/Possession/Trafficking Heroin
(7) Carlos Ramon Santiago, age 39 (d-o-b 11/1/72), of Fort Myers – Sale/Possession/Trafficking Heroin
(8) Billy Ruiz, age 39 (d-o-b 7/3/72), of Lehigh Acres – Sale/Possession/Trafficking Heroin
(9) Epifanio Benitez Walker, age 40 (d-o-b 3/11/71), of Fort Myers – Sale/Possession/Trafficking Heroin
(10) Robert Dino Walker, age 47 (d-o-b 8/4/64), of Fort Myers – Sale/Possession/ Heroin
(11) Angel Luis Morales-Ruiz, age 45 (d-o-b 11/3/66), of Fort Myers – Sale/Possession/Trafficking Heroin
(12) Leonardo Rivera-Camacho, age 30 (d-o-b 12/4/78), of Fort Myers – Sale/Possession/Trafficking Heroin
(13) Joseph Gilchrist, age 23 (d-o-b 6/23/88), of Fort Myers – Sale/Possession/Trafficking Heroin
(14) Fernando Vasquez, age 53 (d-o-b 8/25/58), of Fort Myers – Sale/Possession/ Heroin
(15) Ryan Adorno, age 21 (d-o-b 10/17/90), of Fort Myers – Trafficking Heroin
(16) Epifanio Benitez, age (d-o-b 1/6/52), of Fort Myers – Sale/Possession/Trafficking Heroin
(17) Alvin Alicea-Torres, age 20 (d-o-b 11/23/90), of Fort Myers – Trafficking Heroin
(18) Angel D. Rodriguez, age 22 (d-o-b 12/6/88), of Fort Myers – Sale/Possession/ Heroin and Cocaine
Wanted (photos attached):
(1) Ismael Rayes, age 49 (d-o-b 8/18/1962) – Sale/Possession/ Heroin
(2) Alexander Santiago-Cora, age 19 (d-o-b 12/27/91) – Sale/Possession/Trafficking Heroin
(3) Ramses Reyes-Rivera, age 28 (d-o-b 12/9/82 – Trafficking Heroin
(4) Edgar Espino, age 31 (d-o-b 7/27/80) – Sale/Possession/Trafficking Heroin
Inmate photos and additional information of the accused are available on the Sheriff’s Office website at www.sheriffleefl.org under Crime Activity / Inmate Search.