Photo Credit: Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO)

PCSO’s “Operation Bloodline” and “Operation Flatline” Dismantle Major Fentanyl and Meth Trafficking Networks Across Central Florida

By Staff Reporter iSkyNews.com – February 13, 2026

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A sweeping, months‑long investigation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and multiple state and federal partners has delivered a major blow to two large‑scale drug trafficking organizations responsible for funneling fentanyl and methamphetamine into Central Florida.

The dual investigations — Operation Bloodline and Operation Flatline — resulted in 51 arrests and the seizure of 78 pounds of methamphetamine, 14.55 pounds of fentanyl, 13 firearms, and roughly $20,000 in cash, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force.

Sheriff Grady Judd said the operations targeted criminal groups whose drug pipelines stretched across Polk, Hillsborough, Osceola, Orange, Volusia, and Pasco counties, with methamphetamine supply lines reaching all the way to California.

Operation Bloodline: Targeting a Gang‑Linked Drug Network

Detectives began focusing on Jemarion Young, 36, of Winter Haven in August 2025. Young, identified as a Florida gang leader, was linked to Spencer Leonard Jr. of Bartow and a broader network of traffickers moving large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl throughout Central Florida.

Working alongside the Office of Statewide Prosecution, FDLE, and other agencies, investigators secured SAFE grant resources, wiretap authorization, and surveillance capabilities. Undercover detectives infiltrated the organization and conducted controlled purchases of both methamphetamine and fentanyl.

A major breakthrough came on December 15, 2025, when detectives intercepted a shipment of 10 pounds of methamphetamine being transported from California into Polk County.

Operation Flatline: Overdose Case Leads to Major Fentanyl Seizure

A separate but connected investigation began on December 23, 2025, when 42‑year‑old Angela Valenta was found unresponsive in a Lake Wales hotel room. She remains hospitalized with minimal brain activity.

Detectives determined that Valenta had received fentanyl the day before from William Benjamin Newton Jr., who is tied to multiple ongoing overdose death investigations. Newton’s arrest led to the seizure of 6.1 pounds of fentanyl and 1.4 pounds of cocaine.

If Valenta does not survive, Newton could face first‑degree murder charges under Florida’s drug‑induced homicide statutes.

Sheriff Judd: “They are literally murdering people”

Sheriff Grady Judd emphasized the deadly impact of fentanyl and meth trafficking:

“Traffickers of methamphetamine and fentanyl are literally murdering people and tearing apart families. The men and women who go after these drug dealers are doing a noble, but dangerous job—putting their own lives on the line, to protect their communities from the drug traffickers who are profiting from this destruction.”

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier echoed that message, calling the network “a highly organized, fentanyl‑pushing enterprise” and vowing continued prosecution “from the top down.”

Key Arrests in the Operations

Jemarion Young, 36, Winter Haven

Gang leader; charged with racketeering, trafficking fentanyl (10 counts), trafficking methamphetamine (12 counts), conspiracy charges, drug house operation, and more. Currently in the Polk County Jail.

Britney Jefferson, 37, Winter Haven

Accused of coordinating meth shipments from California. Charged with conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine (8 counts) and unlawful use of a communication device.

Joshua “Tommi Boy Wayne” Puckelwartz, 33, Tampa

Rapper linked to Young. Fled an FHP stop on January 28, 2026, and crashed on I‑275. Arrested with 12 pounds of meth. Faces trafficking charges out of Pinellas County.

Michael Wells, 34, Winter Haven

Close associate of Young; accused of acquiring meth from Puckelwartz and supplying Leonard. Faces racketeering, trafficking, conspiracy, and multiple drug‑related charges.

Steven Jackson, 32, Lakeland

Gang member and alleged fentanyl supplier to Young. Charged with armed trafficking, racketeering, trafficking heroin and meth, firearm possession by a felon, and more.

Bruce Young, 37, Lakeland — Wanted

Released from prison in November 2025 after a 7‑year meth trafficking sentence. Investigators say he immediately reconnected with California suppliers. Wanted for racketeering and trafficking charges.

Jerell Carr, 35, Lakeland

Gang member; arrested after fleeing FHP on January 16, 2026. Found with cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana. Faces racketeering, trafficking, fleeing to elude causing injury or death, and multiple drug charges.

A Multi‑Agency Effort

Operation Bloodline included assistance from: Florida Attorney General’s Office, Office of Statewide Prosecution, State Attorney’s Office (10th Judicial Circuit), FDLE, Florida Highway Patrol, Department of Corrections, U.S. Marshals, Auburndale Police, Winter Park Police, Central Florida HIDTA, and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

Operation Flatline was supported by: FDLE, State Attorney’s Office (10th Judicial Circuit), Auburndale Police, and Central Florida HIDTA.

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