The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office announced one of the largest fentanyl busts in the county’s history, resulting in 26 people arrested and the seizure of more than 1,300 grams (1.3 kilograms) of the deadly drug, along with firearms, cash, vehicles and other narcotics.
The 90-day investigation—dubbed My Brother’s Keeper—was a multi-agency effort that included support from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Office of Statewide Prosecution.
According to Sheriff Marcos Lopez, the investigation began with undercover agents purchasing $50–$70 worth of fentanyl from two brothers. As the buys increased in volume, investigators confirmed they were uncovering a large-scale drug operation.
“They kept this business alive and thriving right under our noses,” Lopez said. “As of today, I’m happy to say, this business is closed.”
Lopez emphasized the danger posed by the amount of fentanyl seized, noting that one kilogram has the potential to kill up to 500,000 people.
“That’s a lot of fentanyl poisoning our communities,” he said.
In addition to the fentanyl, agents seized nine firearms, one kilogram of cocaine, 53 grams of marijuana, five vehicles, around $73,000 in cash and a home believed to have been purchased with drug proceeds and used for the illicit business.
Lopez said the suspects could face minimum mandatory prison sentences ranging from seven to 25 years. He noted that his team worked closely with prosecutors to help ensure the investigation followed proper legal procedures to maintain prosecutorial integrity.
Among those arrested was Johan Angulo-Remon, 39, who is reportedly in the country illegally. He has an active federal arrest warrant from the Department of Homeland Security and an immigration detainer, making him subject to deportation, said Lopez. Angulo-Remon faces charges of trafficking and conspiracy to traffic more than four grams of fentanyl.
“This is an example of people we don’t want in our country,” Lopez said. “He comes here not to work, not to do anything positive, not to be a friend to anyone. He’s here to destroy our families.”
