Major Fentanyl Trafficking Ring Busted in Lakeland
“Operation Rooske” Leads to 64 Arrests
LAKELAND, Fla. — In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office has dismantled a large-scale fentanyl operation based out of Lakeland, culminating in the arrest of 64 individuals and the closure of two businesses allegedly used for money laundering.
Dubbed “Operation Rooske,” the investigation began in January 2021 and targeted a network that utilized seemingly legitimate fronts: Rooske Fish Bait & Tackle and Rooske Motorcycle Parts and Accessories. The businesses, owned by Hector Baez Torres, 43, and Pilar Rivera, 41, were allegedly used to launder money from drug sales across Polk and Osceola counties.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd highlighted the irony of the situation, stating, “We find it ironic that while these businesses appear legitimate, this is how they washed their money from their dope deals.”
The operation primarily focused on street-level buyers initially, eventually leading investigators to higher-level distributors and organizers. According to Sheriff Judd, the street-level buyers were found to be turning out significant quantities of fentanyl, demonstrating the operation’s extensive reach across county lines.
“As we arrested more suspects, we built a case against the main offenders,” Sheriff Judd explained, listing key figures like Hector Baez Torres, Pilar Rivera, and their associates involved in charges ranging from racketeering to drug trafficking and unlawful communication.
Among the arrested individuals were Jeimylee Baez Rivera, 23, and her boyfriend Miguel Castro Rivera, 24, both implicated in various drug-related offenses, including trafficking and possession charges. The couple allegedly operated out of a residence where drugs were packaged near a children’s playroom, underscoring the concerning nature of their activities.
The investigation, supported by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), resulted in the seizure of significant assets totaling over $1 million, including narcotics, cash, vehicles, firearms, and other valuable items linked to the illicit operation.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody commended the joint effort, emphasizing the impact on public safety. “Florida leads the nation in fentanyl seizures, and this case is yet another example of how Sheriff Grady Judd and his deputies are leaders in helping us remove deadly drugs from our streets,” said Moody.
The case also shed light on the family ties within the criminal enterprise, with Judd describing it as “the family business” that used the front of legitimate businesses to conceal illegal activities. The investigation underscored the deceptive façade maintained by the suspects, projecting an outwardly wholesome image while engaging in criminal activities behind closed doors.
The arrests mark a significant step in combating drug trafficking in the region, reflecting ongoing efforts by law enforcement to protect communities from the devastating effects of illegal drugs.
