Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on Thursday that 49 people were arrested following a multi-agency operation that dismantled fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine trafficking networks in Volusia, Flagler, St. Johns, Marion, and Orange counties.
According to state prosecutors and local law enforcement, the arrests are the result of an investigation known as Operation Icebreaker II, which ran from the fall of 2025 to June 2026.
“This joint investigation dismantled a criminal organization that pumped deadly fentanyl and other dangerous drugs into Florida communities,” Uthmeier said. “With the tireless efforts of Florida’s law enforcement, state attorneys, and statewide prosecutors, we have captured 49 traffickers and broken these networks. Florida families need safe streets free of hazardous drugs, and we will continue to hold every member of this organization completely accountable.”
State Attorney R.J. Larizza stated that the traffickers posed a threat to entire communities.
“Exposing, prosecuting and eradicating the drug trafficking organizations is critical to making our communities better and safer,” Larizza added.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood welcomed the arrests as a success for public safety, while Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young credited investigators and partner agencies for their efforts that led to the operation.
The investigation was carried out by the Daytona Beach Police Department (DBPD) Special Investigations Unit; the Volusia Bureau of Investigation, a HIDTA task force led by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO); the Office of Statewide Prosecution; the Seventh Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office; and other agencies.
Officials said the investigation involved court-authorized pen registers, trap-and-trace orders, and full wire intercepts on multiple target phones, as well as physical surveillance and controlled purchases.
It set up mid- to upper-level distribution networks for fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and other banned substances.
On or around June 30, search warrants were executed at key locations related to the organization. Narcotics, currencies, digital scales with residue, cutting agents, smartphones, and other evidence were seized.
The DBPD and VCSO arrested a total of 49 defendants.
Among the primary defendants charged as organization leaders, officials named:
- Vetrick Maurice Shavers Jr., charged with conspiracy to traffic in fentanyl (14 grams or more), a first-degree felony that carries a 20-year mandatory minimum and a $100,000 fine, and two counts of trafficking in fentanyl (4 grams or more), each a first-degree felony carrying a seven-year mandatory minimum and a $50,000 fine.
- Richard Gene Hocker III, charged with conspiracy to traffic in fentanyl (28 grams or more), a first-degree felony that carries a 25-year mandatory minimum and a $500,000 fine; trafficking in fentanyl (4 grams or more), carrying a seven-year mandatory minimum and a $50,000 fine; and trafficking in methamphetamine (28 grams or more), carrying a seven-year mandatory minimum and a $100,000 fine.
- Antonio Bejon Lee, charged with three counts of trafficking in fentanyl (28 grams or more), each a first-degree felony carrying a 25-year mandatory minimum and a $500,000 fine, along with additional counts of trafficking in fentanyl (4 grams or more) and conspiracy to traffic in fentanyl.
Other defendants face allegations such as trafficking, conspiracy, delivery, possession with intent to sell or deliver, weapons violations by dangerous felons, possession of drug-related structures or conveyances, and unlawful use of two-way communications equipment.
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