Fentanyl Arrests

A Mexican drug trafficking organization operating in several states, including Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia was disrupted by a multi-agency investigation led by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

The results of the investigation were the arrests of four people, and the seizure of fourteen kilograms of fentanyl. A fifth person is wanted.

Beginning in August of 2023, members of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force began an investigation of a drug trafficking organization out of Mexico that was specializing in fentanyl.

The HIDTA Task Force received assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, The United States Border Patrol, and the State Attorney’s Office 10th Judicial Circuit.

During the early stages of the investigation, two kilograms of fentanyl were delivered from the trafficker based in Mexico to detectives.

A second delivery was coordinated for an in-person transaction at a motel in Lakeland on April 5, 2024 for one kilogram of fentanyl.

The success of the transaction in Lakeland led to another delivery; the trafficking organization agreed to ship eleven more kilograms of fentanyl to Polk County.

On April 22, 2024, 29-year-old Maria Machuca-Alderete, 48-year-old Maria Guadalupe-Garcia, 52-year-old Sergio Garcia, and 31-year-old Pedro Rodriguez-Correa arrived at a pre-determined location in Polk County to deliver the fentanyl, and all four were arrested at that time.

Rodriguez-Correa, the driver for the group, brought a six-year-old boy along for the delivery. Florida Department of Children & Families responded to the scene and took custody of the child.

In addition to the evidence, detectives also seized two vehicles used by the drug traffickers, and $5,461.00 in cash.

Those arrested are facing the following charges:

Maria Machuca-Alderete was charged with: trafficking fentanyl over 28 grams; maintaining a vehicle to traffic drugs; 4 counts of resisting an officer with violence; 4 counts of battery on law enforcement officer; unlawful use of a 2-way communication device; and possession of drug paraphernalia. Machuca-Alderete is in the United States illegally, and a hold has been placed on her for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Maria Guadalupe-Garcia was charged with:  trafficking fentanyl over 28 grams; maintaining a vehicle to traffic drugs; and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sergio Garcia was charged with: trafficking fentanyl over 28 grams; maintaining a vehicle to traffic drugs; and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Pedro Rodriguez-Correa was charged with:  trafficking fentanyl over 28 grams; unlawful use of a 2-way communication device; and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Rodriguez-Correa is in the United States illegally, and a hold has been placed on him for immigration and customs enforcement.

A fifth suspect is wanted for trafficking fentanyl over 28 grams; maintaining a vehicle to traffic drugs; and possession of drug paraphernalia.