Hector Baez Torres : “Lakeland Fentanyl Trafficking Organization Dismantled by Local Law Enforcement”

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LAKELAND, Fla. (WWSB) – A comprehensive fentanyl trafficking investigation spanning over three years has culminated in the apprehension of 64 individuals, dealing a significant blow to the Lakeland-based criminal organisation.

The extensive operation, which commenced in January 2021, saw close coordination between the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution, under the leadership of Ashley Moody, Attorney General.

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The investigations were supported by the State Financial Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (S.A.F.E) Florida Program managed by the FDLE. Established by the Florida Legislature in 2023, the S.A.F.E program provides state funding for investigations aimed at combatting illegal fentanyl trafficking. The grant covers various investigative expenses, including overtime, travel, supplies, equipment, and training.

Detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Organized Crime Unit and special agents from the FDLE conducted numerous undercover transactions with the Rooske drug trafficking organisation. The organisation utilised the Rooske Bait and Tackle Shop and Rooske Motorcycle Parts & Accessories in Lakeland for their illicit drug trafficking and money laundering activities.

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Key Players in the Operation

The mastermind behind the organisation was identified as 43-year-old Hector Baez Torres of Lakeland. He was assisted by his wife, Pilar Rivera, and their daughter, Jeimylee Baez Rivera. Miguel Castro Rivera, aged 24, from Auburndale, was identified as Baez Torres’s right-hand man.

Additionally, two suppliers of illegal drugs to the Rooske organisation were apprehended: Wilfredo Feliciano Velez, aged 26, and Casimiro Bidot Del Valle, aged 59, both from Kissimmee.

Feliciano Velez was arrested by PCSO detectives while in the process of delivering three kilograms of cocaine to Hector Baez Torres. Bidot Del Valle was taken into custody at his residence by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office during a search warrant execution.

Significant Seizures and Asset Confiscations

On June 20, a series of search warrants were executed by detectives from the PCSO’s Bureau of Special Investigations and FDLE Special Agents in Polk County and Osceola County. The raids led to the seizure of significant quantities of illegal substances, including fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, and marijuana.

The total street value of the confiscated illegal drugs is estimated to be $475,348.60. In addition to the drugs, a range of assets were seized, including cash, vehicles, watercraft, merchandise from the Rooske establishments, jewellery, firearms, and more. The total value of the seized assets amounts to $604,770.00.

When combined with the seized illegal drugs, the overall impact on the Rooske Drug Trafficking Organisation stands at a staggering $1,080,118.60.

Arrests and Charges

The operation resulted in the arrest of several key individuals involved in the illegal activities:

• Hector Baez Torres, 43, of Lakeland, faces charges of Racketeering, Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering, and Unlawful Use of a Communication Device.
• Pilar Rivera, 41, of Lakeland, is charged with Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering and Unlawful Use of a Communication Device.
• Jeimylee Baez Rivera, 23, of Auburndale, faces multiple charges including Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering, Trafficking in Cocaine and Fentanyl, Possession of Oxycodone, and Negligent Child Abuse.
• Miguel Castro Rivera, 24, of Auburndale, is charged with Armed Trafficking in Cocaine, Racketeering, Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering, and various other offences.
• Luis Ramos Delgado, 48, of Lakeland, is charged with Racketeering, Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering, and Trafficking in Fentanyl.
• Wilma Fuentes Laureano, 56, of Lakeland, faces charges of Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering and Trafficking in Fentanyl.
• Casimiro Bidot Del Valle, 59, of Kissimmee, is charged with Trafficking in Fentanyl, Trafficking in Cocaine, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.