Print Print Email Email
space
For Immediate Release:
June 17, 2010

Media Contact:
Det. Alvaro Zabaleta
[email protected]
305-471-1900



Operation Rake

Multi-Agency Hydroponic Lab Operation

 


(Miami-Dade County, FL) -- 
 

As part of HIDTA's, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas, initiatives throughout the State of Florida, the Miami-Dade Police Department, Narcotics Bureau with the assistance of local, state, and federal authorities will be conducting a multi-agency operation focusing on hydroponic laboratories.   Detectives have identified several residences where these types of labs are operating.  On June 16th, the operation consisted of multiple of detectives simultaneously making contact with these residences throughout the county.  It is important to the community to be aware of the dangers involved in these labs, diverted power lines, use of multiple chemicals, poor ventilation just to name a few.  This operation was also conducted simultaneously throughout Monroe, Collier, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties.

We would like the participation of the media in efforts to keep the communities informed.

The following are the agencies that participated in the operation:
Drug Enforcement Agency
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Homestead Police Department
Coral Gables
State Attorney's Office
Team Metro


The following were the final numbers:
49 - Total Labs
42 - Arrest
2,347 - Total Marijuana Plants
2,369 - Total Weight (Pounds)
9.4 Million - Total Street Value
11 grams - Cocaine
40 grams - Marijuana
7 - Firearms
9, 562.00 - U.S. Currency
1 - Vehicle (Audi)
126 - Oxycontin Pills


Note: One lab in Vero Beach, Fl. was identified as a result of information obtained.  Two hundred twenty two (220) plants were recovered with a total weight of 601 lbs. and a street value of $2.4 Million.  One person was arrested.
The MDPD, Video Services Unit filmed all of the activities. Please visit our FTP Site (ftp://mrb.mdpd.com) to retrieve the footage.


 
Who: HIDTA - High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Miami-Dade Police Department - Narcotics Bureau

What:Operation Rake

When: June 16, 2010, 6:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m.

Where:Miami-Dade County


 

# # #

 

MIAMI-DADE POLICE DEPARTMENT