More than 20 people have been arrested as a result of a multi-county sting that disrupted a significant drug trafficking ring operating in Palm Beach, Broward, and St. Lucie counties, according to state and local officials.
Investigators claim the group transported enormous amounts of cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and prescription drugs throughout South Florida. To transport the narcotics across the country, the gang concealed multi-kilogram packages of cocaine on commercial freight trucks going from California to Florida, without the trucking companies’ knowledge.
Over the weekend, officers served over 20 residential search warrants in three counties, bringing the operation together. Authorities confiscated at least 45 kilograms of cocaine, as well as a supply of oxycodone and fentanyl pills.
According to officials, the investigation began in March 2026, when Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office narcotics officers discovered suspicious activity on social media that led back to a local dealer. Undercover purchases and surveillance quickly led detectives to Ariel Fernandez-Alonso, whom police identified as a key supplier. Fernandez-Alonso allegedly said he consumed 50 to 60 kg of cocaine every 15 days.
Law enforcement eventually tracked down one of the cross-country freight shipments and arrived just as Fernandez-Alonso and his companions were unpacking a pallet containing more than 40 kilograms of cocaine.
“This joint operation dismantled a sophisticated criminal enterprise that was pumping dangerous drugs into Palm Beach, St. Lucie, and Broward County communities,” James Uthmeier, Attorney General, stated. “The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and our statewide prosecutors worked tirelessly to seize enormous amounts of cocaine, as well as fentanyl and oxycodone tablets. Florida kids need safe streets free of these lethal narcotics, and we will hold each member of this group accountable.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw repeated the warning to traffickers.
“Let me be clear: if you bring dangerous drugs into Palm Beach County, we will find you, shut down your operation, and bring you to justice,” Bradshaw declared. “This operation sends a strong message that we will not tolerate drug trafficking in our communities.”
Other agencies engaged emphasized the need for interagency coordination to bring the network down.
“Our work in drug trafficking cases demonstrates one central truth: no single agency can address this challenge alone,” stated Michael Stein, FDLE Special Agent in Charge. “These cases depend on strong partnerships—across local, state, and federal agencies, the Attorney General’s statewide prosecutors, and the continued support of our state leaders and legislature to eradicate our communities of illegal and harmful drugs.”
Weesam Khoury Bale, Associate Vise President of the Health Care District of Palm Beach County, emphasized the broader context of the enforcement action.
“Florida’s success in combatting the opioid crisis is the result of both protecting our communities through public safety and treating addiction through comprehensive, evidence-based treatment,” Bale stated. “Attorney General Uthmeier recognizes the importance of this coordinated approach, where law enforcement disrupts drug trafficking and health care supports long-term resilience of our communities.”
Fernandez-Alonso faces a first-degree felony accusation of trafficking cocaine weighing between 400 grams and 150 kilograms, as well as unauthorized use of two-way communication equipment.
Richard Paterniti, Kenneth Charles, and Craig Benard are among the suspects charged in the sweep with conspiracy to conduct racketeering, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and trafficking offenses involving cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. If convicted of trafficking, Fernandez-Alonso, Paterniti, Charles, and Benard will face 15-year mandatory minimum jail sentences.
Jerri Kitzelman and Jerry Salerno were also charged with conspiracy to commit racketeering and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division and the Office of Statewide Prosecution handled the case, with assistance from the sheriff’s offices in St. Lucie and Broward counties. Monique Wilson, Assistant Statewide Prosecutor, and Chris Olowin, Special Counsel, will prosecute the cases in the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit.
Sheriff’s officials are still counting the total amount of seized drugs, and prosecutors say more arrests and charges are likely as the investigation proceeds.
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