Police Crack Downs on Drug Dealers in Florence; 5 Arrested after Several Fentanyl Overdose Reports

Florence, Mississippi: Several individuals, including individuals involved in illegal drug activities, were apprehended throughout the metropolitan area on Thursday following the observation by local law enforcement of a rise in overdose cases in recent months.

A total of five adults and six juveniles were taken into custody. An arrest took place during a significant drug bust in Florence on Thursday morning.

According to Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey, several individuals were apprehended during a recent drug operation that focused on the drug fentanyl. Officials have reported that officers initiated undercover purchases from the suspects they were able to approach.

Read More: Man Sentenced 20 Years in Prison For Meth & Fentanyl Trafficking in Idaho

As a result of the recent intelligence, arrest warrants, and search warrants have been issued for the individuals listed below.

Pedro Antonio Martinez Garcia, 18, of Florence

• One count of sale of fentanyl

• Was out on bond for sale of fentanyl while in possession of a firearm and possession of methamphetamine while in possession of a firearm

Jose Fernando Herrera Resendiz, 30 , Ridgeland

• One count of selling cocaine within 1,500 feet of a park

• One count of conspiracy to sell cocaine within 1,500 feet of a park.

• Registered sex offender

Richard Bryant, 51, of Pelahatchie

• Three counts of sale of methamphetamine

• One count of conspiracy to sell methamphetamine

William Vinzant, 50, of Pelahatchie

• One count of the sale of methamphetamine

• One count of conspiracy to sell methamphetamine

• Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine

• Drug trafficking of ecstasy

Read More: Human Trafficking Ring Busted in Georgia With 17 Arrests

Vincent Edwards, Jr., 34, of Tougaloo

• Two counts of conspiracy to sell cocaine within 1500 feet of a park.

• Search warrant of his residence in Hinds County, resulted in the discovery of a felony amount of narcotics and recovery of a stolen 12 gauge shotgun taken in a house burglary in September of 2019, in Rankin County.

• Charged and arrested in Hinds CountyFlore

The authorities arrested these individuals and are looking for other suspects.

Also Read: 6 Charged in Massive Drug Bust in Colorado Springs