Bradenton, Fla.-(Newsradio 970 WFLA)-Acting Tampa U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow and Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells say drug trafficking charges have been filed against 34 people as a result of what was called "Operation Hot Batch."
The joint law enforcement effort started in November of last year to target drug trafficking organizations engaged in the illicit distribution of fentantyl, carfentanil and other controlled substances.
In announcing the charges, Muldrow said the Department of Justice is "committed to combating the opioid epidemic."
In addition to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the F.B.I., the I.R.S., U.S. Customs, the Bradenton and Sarasota Police Departments took part in the operation.
Photo courtesy U.S. Attorney