Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Makes Major Drug Arrest in Late-Night Operation

By Ciara Perez, Investigative Journalist | iSkyCreations – News & Media (ISC)

Published Feb 3rd, 2024

Flagler County, FL – In a late-night operation that highlighted the relentless fight against drug trafficking, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office achieved a significant breakthrough on Thursday, February 1. At 9:30 p.m., deputies conducted a traffic stop on a dark-colored Acura, which was observed speeding at a staggering 88 mph on State Road 11 in Bunnell. This marked the initiation of a crucial interception in the ongoing battle against the distribution of narcotics.

The driver, identified as 32-year-old Patrick Samuels from Jacksonville, displayed noticeable signs of nervousness upon being pulled over. Given the context and the driver’s behavior, Master Deputy Dawson decided to deploy his highly-trained K-9 partner, Neo. The K-9 quickly alerted the presence of drugs in the vehicle, leading to an extensive search conducted by the deputies.

During the search of the Acura, law enforcement officers uncovered multiple clear plastic baggies containing a white powder substance. Subsequent tests confirmed that the powder was a mixture of cocaine and a lethal dose of fentanyl, with a total weight of 10.85 grams. It is essential to note that this quantity of fentanyl possesses the potential to cause up to 5,420 fatalities, underlining the deadly nature of the substances seized. Furthermore, the search also yielded various types of pills, both loose and contained within a pill bottle, alongside a digital scale. These findings strongly indicate a well-organized intention to distribute drugs.

Patrick Samuels now faces a series of severe charges, including Trafficking Fentanyl, Possession of Oxycodone With Intent to Sell, Possession of Alprazolam, Possession of New Legend Drug without Prescription, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Following his arrest, he was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he remains in custody without bond.

Sheriff Rick Staly expressed his thoughts on the operation, stating, “This individual thought he could use Flagler County as a transit route to deliver his dangerous poison. What makes it even more alarming is the fact that the cocaine was laced with fentanyl, creating a potentially lethal combination for unsuspecting buyers.” Sheriff Staly commended the swift action taken by the deputies and emphasized the invaluable assistance provided by K-9 Neo in apprehending a highly dangerous individual. He added, “Thanks to the traffic stop conducted by our deputies and the exceptional skills of K-9 Neo, this dangerous drug peddler finds himself out of business and now a guest of the Green Roof Inn.”

This successful operation not only prevented a significant quantity of deadly drugs from flooding the streets but also demonstrated the unwavering commitment of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office to safeguarding the community from the devastating impact of drug trafficking.