See the Latest Crime News and Arrest Reports from Miami – Fort Lauderdale Metro Area of South Florida.
Florida Crime News Roundup
Man Wanted for Attempted Murder Shot Dead by Orlando Police During Standoff Downtown Michael David Dennis, 29, was stopped by police shortly before 6 p.m. Wednesday at South Orange Avenue and West Lucerne Circle. Dennis was wanted for shooting at his ex-girlfriend and was wanted in a warrant for arrest on charges of attempted murder…
Retail Theft Crime Ring Busted in South Florida Caused $20 Million in Losses
Earlier today, Florida’s Attorney General Ashley Moody announced that Florida’s Office of Statewide Prosecution filed criminal charges against 14 defendants for involvement in the retail theft ring. During a press conference with other law enforcement officials from the Miami-Dade Police Department, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, the…
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Florida Man Working at GameStop Store Fatally Shoots Suspected Pokemon Card Thief
An assistant manager at a Pembroke Pines GameStop store has been charged with manslaughter after he reportedly shot at suspected shoplifter who was allegedly stealing several boxes of expensive Pokemon cards, authorities said. Derrick Leonel Guerrero, 33, of Pembroke Pines, was charged with manslaughter in the Tuesday evening incident in Pembroke Pines, according to Broward…
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Miami Man Sentenced to 5 1/2 Years in Prison for Cryptocurrency and Stock Scam
After a Miami man spent nearly two years defrauding victims of almost $1 million dollars for his investment scheme, he was sentenced to 5 1/2 years in federal prison earlier today. The judge also ordered forfeiture in the amount of $988,895.85. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, Ryan James…
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Broward County Sheriff Arrests Woman for Grandson’s Overdose Death
A grandmother in South Florida was arrested after her grandson overdosed on a powerful antihistamine known as cyproheptadine. According to Broward County Sheriff’s Public Information Officer Care Codd Sr., detectives arrested Tibina Louissant on Friday, Oct. 13, for aggravated manslaughter of a child. The arrest came less than 30 days after Broward County Regional Communications…
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Florida Man Suspected of Dumping 10,000 Pounds of Trash Along Roads of Monroe County
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office released the following statement about Benjamin Scott Holroyd, who is suspected of dumping more than 10,000 pounds of trash across the Florida Keys. A 65-year-old Big Pine Key, Florida man was arrested Friday for leaving more than 10,000 pounds of trash on the side of the road. Benjamin Scott Holroyd was…
Man Stabbed in Deerfield Beach, Broward Sheriff’s Deputies Searching for Suspect
Broward Sheriff’s Office is investigating a stabbing that left one man injured in Deerfield Beach on Sunday morning. The man was found around the 800 block of West Sample Road, near ‘El Reventon Sports Club.’ According to BSO, paramedics were called to help take the man to a nearby hospital, in what authorities are saying,…
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Woman Found Shot to Death in Fort Lauderdale Neighborhood
Fort Lauderdale Police are investigating after a woman was found dead following a shooting in the 2000 block of Northwest 30th Way. Officers and fire rescue crews responded and found the woman, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Her identity wasn’t released. Footage from the scene showed several evidence markers on the ground near…
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Miami Police Find Person Found Shot to Death Inside Empty Home Known for Squatters
City of Miami Police said they received a ShotSpotter alert around 10:15 p.m.and when officers arrived, they found one person dead inside a home along Northeast 77th Street near 5th Avenue. “There is a body inside there since last night, so I don’t know exactly what happened because I was told to stay away from…
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Overview of Miami Crime:
Miami, Florida, has a complex history when it comes to crime and drug trafficking, characterized by both challenges and efforts to combat illicit activities. The city’s proximity to Latin America and its status as a major transportation hub have played a significant role in shaping its history in this regard.
Violent Crime in modern-day Miami:
Overall in 2022, Miami-Dade County saw a slight uptick in murders, according to records from the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office. There were 258 homicides in all of Miami-Dade County, with a population pushing three million and 34 municipalities. That was about a 5 percent increase from the 245 murders in 2021
1970s and 1980s – The Cocaine Cowboys Era:
Miami gained notoriety in the 1970s and 1980s as a major hub for drug trafficking, particularly cocaine. The city became synonymous with the “Cocaine Cowboys” era, characterized by drug lords and cartels smuggling vast quantities of cocaine into the United States. This era brought an influx of drug-related violence, organized crime, and corruption to the region, making Miami one of the most dangerous cities in the United States at the time.
Law Enforcement Crackdown:
In response to the rampant drug trafficking and violence, law enforcement agencies launched intensive efforts to combat drug cartels and dismantle drug trafficking networks. Operations like “Operation Pisces” and “Operation Sunburn” targeted drug kingpins and disrupted their operations. The increased vigilance and cooperation between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies led to significant arrests and seizures.
The Rise of the Drug Trade:
Despite these crackdowns, drug trafficking never disappeared entirely. Miami’s geographic location continued to make it an attractive gateway for drug traffickers, especially during the crack cocaine epidemic of the 1980s. The city also faced challenges related to money laundering, which enabled drug cartels to legitimize their ill-gotten gains.
Modern Challenges:
Today, Miami still grapples with drug trafficking, though the landscape has evolved. Cocaine trafficking has given way to the smuggling of other drugs like heroin, fentanyl, and synthetic opioids. Money laundering and financial crimes remain ongoing concerns. The city’s international connections and its status as a major tourist destination present both opportunities and challenges for law enforcement agencies.
Efforts to Combat Drug Trafficking:
Law enforcement agencies in Miami continue to work diligently to combat drug trafficking and organized crime. This includes collaboration with international partners, sophisticated intelligence-gathering techniques, and a focus on disrupting drug distribution networks.
In conclusion, Miami, Florida, has a storied history when it comes to crime and drug trafficking. While the “Cocaine Cowboys” era left a lasting impact on the city’s reputation, law enforcement efforts and international cooperation have made significant strides in addressing these issues. Miami’s ongoing challenges with drug trafficking underscore the importance of vigilance and adaptability in the fight against organized crime and drug-related activities.