Drugs, money and guns seized by Pinellas deputies in St. Petersburg bust

In a major operation in Pinellas County, Florida, law enforcement officials, including the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, St. Petersburg Police Department, and Florida Department of Law Enforcement, successfully dismantled a large-scale drug network. The operation, named “Operation Dirty Ink,” led to the arrest of 24 individuals involved in drug dealing and distribution. The investigation, initiated in January, revealed a complex drug operation with connections to Mexico, primarily orchestrated by Jacob Land from his tattoo shop, Star Status Ink, and involving key figures like Justin Richardson.

Law enforcement confiscated a suitcase filled with 1-kilogram bricks of cocaine during Tuesday's drug bust. At a news conference Wednesday, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said drug traffickers typically soak each package in gasoline to disguise the smell. [ Courtesy of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office ]

During the operation, authorities seized substantial quantities of drugs, including 26.5 pounds of cocaine, 6.5 pounds of fentanyl (with a street value exceeding $1 million), 20 pounds of marijuana, and various firearms. They also confiscated $237,000 in cash. The operation highlighted the severity of the drug problem in the region, particularly with fentanyl, a drug potent enough to cause widespread fatalities. The arrests and seizures underscore the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and its significant impact on community safety.

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