The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office says a long-term narcotics operation aimed at the city's urban core and downtown has put 87 people in custody, while scores of illegal drugs and weapons were taken off the streets. Twelve active arrest warrants remain, meaning the operation could ultimately reach 99 alleged dealers and traffickers, according to the agency.
JSO announced the results Friday in the sheriff's announcement, saying detectives targeted people accused of trafficking and distributing drugs in downtown Jacksonville and the surrounding urban core. Some suspects were arrested on allegations of selling dangerous drugs near schools and churches, and residents were urged to report suspected activity by calling 904-630-0500 or emailing [email protected].
What Jacksonville's narcotics operation targeted
Operation LERP was funded through Florida's State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication, or SAFE, grant. According to Florida's SAFE grant program, the funding reimburses local law enforcement for approved fentanyl-related investigative work, including overtime, investigative supplies, equipment, training and related costs.
LERP also lands amid a busy stretch for JSO's narcotics teams. In a separate case, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said detectives seized 4.3 kilograms of fentanyl, a gun and more than $60,000 in cash, while an earlier Mixon Town investigation led to three arrests and the seizure of drugs and three firearms, according to another JSO update.
The initial Operation LERP announcement did not identify the people arrested or provide an itemized breakdown of the drugs and weapons seized. With 12 warrants still active, additional arrests and more case details could follow as investigators continue working through the operation.
