JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Three men were arrested in connection to a drug distribution operation in Jacksonville Beach, a popular area for people to come and party, especially during spring break.
The men are accused of peddling fentanyl, cocaine, heroin and marijuana, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
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“Anytime we hear of fentanyl being sold on the streets, we have to attack it, aggressively we have to get the person responsible for distributing this poison off the street,” SEA Special Agent in Charge Mike Dubet said.
Jacksonville Beach is known for its crowded beaches and hangout spots where people come to have a good time. It’s also somewhere in Northeast Florida where locals and visitors can hang out at multiple bars and nightclubs.
“Bar districts and party areas attract not only alcohol consumers but drug consumers as well,” Dubet said.
According to Jacksonville Beach Police and the DEA, agents made several controlled purchases of illegal narcotics, and the trio of men were arrested in a Publix parking lot.
Investigators said 46-year-old Kevin Harris appeared to be the biggest suspect in their investigation.
“We learned he was involved in some sort of drug trafficking,” Dubet said.
According to an arrest warrant, during one of the controlled purchases of cocaine, Harris told an undercover agent that he regularly sold ounce quantities of cocaine to 10 customers in Jacksonville Beach. He also said he usually sells one gram of cocaine to local bar patrons, the report said.
“During that same transaction with the undercover agent, Harris reportedly told the agent that he has a relative who travels to Atlanta every week and brings back larger quantities of heroin for sale,” Dubet said.
Atlanta, Georgia, has been identified as a drug distribution hub for Mexican drug cartel employees operating within the U.S. Agents said the Atlanta hub supplies illegal drugs to dealers in cities throughout the Southeastern U.S.
The DEA had not identified Harris as a cartel member.
“We know who’s producing and bringing fentanyl into our country. So, every bit of fentanyl or cocaine is tied back to someone outside of our country,” Dubet said.
Some of the felony charges against Harris were enhanced because he reportedly sold drugs to undercover agents within 1000 feet of a school.
The investigation is ongoing and investigators expect more people will face charges.