19 Arrested in Major South Florida Drug Trafficking Bust with Drugs, Guns, and $450K Seized

By Ronald Rodriguez Last updated Sep 5, 2025

South Florida – A significant drug trafficking operation spanning Palm Beach and Broward counties has been dismantled after a meticulous 14-month investigation. The crackdown, led by Boynton Beach Police and several federal and state agencies, resulted in the arrest of 19 suspects and the seizure of large amounts of drugs, firearms, and cash.

Dubbed “Operation Trackside,” this extensive inquiry began in July 2024 following a tip about drug activities. Authorities executed 15 search warrants simultaneously on Wednesday, targeting high-level drug suppliers rather than street-level dealers. The operation showcased interagency collaboration between local law enforcement and federal bodies like the DEA and U.S. Marshals Service.

Operation Trackside: From Tip to Major Bust

The investigation originated from a simple tip and evolved into a sweeping effort uncovering a major drug trafficking organization operating in South Florida. The extensive probe spanned over a year, involving multiple law enforcement agencies across counties.

Boynton Beach Police Chief Joe DeGiulio stated at a news conference that on the day of the bust, authorities targeted multiple locations simultaneously. Dramatic footage from Fort Lauderdale showed SWAT teams forcefully entering through a garage to secure the premises.

Seizures Highlight the Scale of the Operation

The raids led to the seizure of:

Over 5 kilograms of drugs, including cocaine, marijuana, and fentanyl
Six handguns and two semi-automatic rifles
Eleven vehicles and one boat
Approximately $450,000 in cash

These seizures underscore the breadth and depth of the trafficking network uncovered by authorities.

High-Level Drug Suppliers Targeted

Chief DeGiulio emphasized the nature of the individuals apprehended, distinguishing them from typical street-level dealers:

“The people you see here are not street-level drug dealers, these are high-level drug suppliers, so it’s not easy to get to these individuals unless you put a lot of time and effort into these investigations.”

This distinction highlights the complexity involved in penetrating and dismantling sophisticated drug trafficking rings.

Collaboration and Ongoing Efforts

The operation exemplifies extensive collaboration among agencies, including:

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
U.S. Marshals Service
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Florida Highway Patrol
Broward Sheriff’s Office
Fort Lauderdale Police Department
Boynton Beach Police Department

The investigation remains active, with authorities anticipating additional arrests as efforts continue to dismantle the trafficking network in South Florida.

For more detailed updates, visit the original report on NBC Miami here.

Community Impact and Next Steps

The bust sends a strong message about law enforcement’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and illegal firearms in the region. By targeting high-level suppliers, authorities aim to disrupt the supply chain feeding street drug markets, thereby enhancing public safety.

Encouraging continued community tips to aid investigations
Strengthening interagency cooperation for future operations
Ongoing surveillance and intelligence gathering on trafficking networks

What do you think about this bust and its impact on South Florida’s fight against drug trafficking? Have you noticed changes in local community safety? Share your thoughts in the comments below!