Joint Press Conference to Discuss Ongoing Narcotics Operation and Dog-fighting Ring (24-097)

PINELLAS COUNTY - On July 19, 2024, detectives from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, along with the St. Petersburg Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, arrested 23 suspects on drug trafficking, and dog fighting charges.   

In August of 2023, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office detectives launched an investigation, “Operation Snow Cap” regarding a drug trafficking organization in Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay area. The St. Petersburg Police Department also launched an investigation, “Operation Pedigree,” regarding a dog-fighting ring along with narcotics in Pinellas County and several other surrounding counties.

During the press conference, Sheriff Gualtieri said, “To the people that are out there that are engaged in this, look over your shoulder – because we’ve got many investigations just like this that are in the pipeline.”

Chief Holloway said, “You want to bring your drugs to Pinellas County, you want to sell here – it’s just a matter of time and we have time on our side. We may not get you today, we may not get you tomorrow but sooner or later we’re going to come knocking on your door.”

FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass spoke about how the S.A.F.E. (State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication) program is assisting law enforcement throughout Florida.  He stated, “Dismantling criminal organizations interrupts the supply of dangerous drugs into our communities, saving lives. Working together, we can keep our communities safer against drug trafficking organizations and the violence and secondary crimes they bring to our neighborhoods.”

We’d like to thank the St. Petersburg Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office for assisting with these lengthy investigations, and multiple organizations who assisted with the care of the seized dogs including Hillsborough Animal Control and the ASPCA.