From illegal immigration to drug busts, in February there were numerous arrests from the law enforcement department of Florida Agricultural Consumer Services (FDACS).
Stopping illegal immigration
State farm law enforcement officials intercepted a white cargo van that bypassed a farm blocking station in Nassau County, leading to the arrest of suspected illegal aliens and detention of four other illegal aliens.
Human smuggling prevention in Nassau County:
At Yulee in Florida, farmers have stopped a yellowbox truck where a driver and two passengers confirming legal entry into the US are missing ID and documents. They contacted the US Border Patrol and detained all three.
Drug bust
The Agricultural Law Enforcement Agency (OALE) seized more than 29 pounds of cocaine after stopping a white cargo van that bypassed an agricultural blockage station in Escambia County. The street value of the seizure is $24,000 per bundle, with a total street value of $264,000. Law enforcement officials said the cargo van was so large that it urged traffic stops to begin when they decided to bypass the agricultural blockage station. During the inspection, officers discovered a wooden frame with a large plastic box filled with spray foam that had not yet been solidified. Upon further investigation, officers discovered cocaine cocaine bricks – total weight of 29.2 pounds, hidden beneath the form. The wooden frame was picked up from a storage unit in El Paso, Texas, and was destined to a location in South Florida.
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson said the seizure of drugs of this magnitude when intercepting criminals and illegal smuggling would put Florida communities at risk.
“We are proud of our agricultural law enforcement office and the work of men and women who risk their lives every day,” the commissioner said.
