K9 alert leads to cocaine-trafficking conspiracy

Posted 8/8/23

Sheriff Noel E. Stephen announces that earlier in the week, the Okeechobee Narcotics Task Force members arrested multiple individuals …

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K9 alert leads to cocaine-trafficking conspiracy

Posted

OKEECHOBEE — Sheriff Noel E. Stephen announces that earlier in the week, the Okeechobee Narcotics Task Force members arrested multiple individuals for Conspiracy to Traffic Cocaine and found $25,000 in cash during the arrests.

During the investigation, K-9 Deputy Karson Reno and his partner, K-9 Ricco, conducted two traffic stops. 

During the first stop, K-9 Ricco showed a positive "hit," indicating something inside the vehicle. Inside that vehicle, 3 kilograms of Cocaine and $25,000 of U.S. currency were found in a hidden compartment. 

Shortly after, K9 Ricco alerted on another vehicle owned by Baldemar Medrano JR. Inside that vehicle were three men, Medrano, Harvey Spells, and Jose Romero Jr. 

During a search of Medrano's car, an M&P pistol and 19.2 grams of marijuana were located. 

After obtaining a probable cause narcotics search warrant, a search was conducted immediately after the stops at 203 NW 6TH Street, Okeechobee, Florida. 

Inside that home, the following items were located. 

  • A plastic shopping bag containing two individually brick-shaped packages of suspected cocaine
  • A zip-lock bag containing Cocaine was under the couch in the living room. The total weight of the cocaine is 2,160.22 grams. 
  • 657.70 grams of marijuana on the table next to the couch in separate bags. 
  • 1247.37 grams of marijuana in a blue backpack next to the couch in separate bags. 
  • Four 1-ounce containers of T.H.C. resin are in the top drawer of the table next to the couch, and a medical container with Medrano's name.
  • Numerous Psilocybin candy bars in separate packaging
  • Numerous pre-packaged T.H.C. resin containers were found in the fridge. 
  • Paraphernalia included vacuum seal bags, a vacuum seal machine, and a scale. 
  • A Hungarian 9MM pistol loaded

During interviews and investigation, the following persons were arrested and charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Cocaine:

Vladimir Romero Espinoza 67, Norma Nelida Sepulveda 62, Baldemar Medrano JR., 26, Harvey Leroy Spells III, 33, and Jose Guadalupe Romero JR., 33.

All were arrested and transported to the Okeechobee County Detention Facility for booking without incident.

OCSO

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