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A complex anti-drug operation in the Flagami neighborhood of Miami concluded this week with the arrest of two men and one woman connected to a synthetic drug distribution network.
Authorities reported that over a kilogram of methamphetamine, approximately 400 grams of cocaine, $26,031 in cash, and two vehicles were seized.
These elements were cataloged as key evidence to strengthen the charges brought before the prosecutor's office.
So far, the nationality of the individuals involved has not been disclosed, although two of them are in an irregular immigration status and have final deportation orders, according to local media citing police sources.
The detainees are:
Carlos Alberto Sexto, 52 years old, an immigrant without legal status in the United States. He was accused of trafficking more than 200 grams of methamphetamine, delivering cocaine and methamphetamine in the vicinity of a school (within 1,000 feet), and child abuse.
Jorge Bárbaro Vento Soler, 55 years old, is also an undocumented immigrant. He faces multiple charges, including trafficking more than 200 grams of cocaine, trafficking more than 14 grams of amphetamine, delivering drugs near an educational institution, and distributing controlled substances.
Dayana Luis Gutiérrez, 33 years old, legal permanent resident, was charged with trafficking over 200 grams of methamphetamine, delivering cocaine and methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, and child abuse.
On Monday, June 10, agents from various local agencies—both state and federal—conducted an operation at a residence located at 262 Northwest 44th Avenue, in the Flagami neighborhood, a working-class residential area situated between Coral Way and 8th Street.
During the operation, which was captured by cameras from NBC6 and also shown by Telemundo 51, several armed officers and tactical units were deployed.
A coordinated effort to curb the trafficking of synthetic drugs
The investigation that led to the arrests began in July 2023 and was developed by the State Assistance Task Force for Fentanyl Eradication (S.A.F.E.), a state initiative focused on combating the trafficking of synthetic drugs—especially fentanyl—whose consequences for public health in the United States have been devastating in recent years.
The S.A.F.E. group is composed of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and a set of agencies from South Florida, including: the Miami Police Department; the Sweetwater Police Department; the Doral Police Department; the Hialeah Police Department; the Medley Police Department; and the Florida International University (FIU) Police Department.
Federal agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, and the Miami Beach Police Department also collaborated.
The research focused not only on the interdiction of illegal substances but also on protecting school communities, as some of the detected criminal activity occurred in areas close to educational institutions, which worsens the legal classification of the crimes committed.
The three detainees were transferred to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (THK) in west Miami.
Authorities confirmed that Sexto and Soler have final deportation orders, indicating that they were already undergoing prior immigration proceedings before their arrest.
This Friday, the detainees appeared before the bail court for a preliminary hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Antinarcotics Operation in Miami
What happened in the anti-narcotics operation in Flagami, Miami?
In the anti-narcotics operation in Flagami, Miami, two men and one woman connected to a synthetic drug distribution network were arrested. Over one kilogram of methamphetamine, 400 grams of cocaine, $26,031 in cash, and two vehicles were seized, which is considered key evidence to strengthen the charges filed with the prosecutor's office.
Who were the detainees in the Flagami operation?
The detainees were Carlos Alberto Sexto, Jorge Bárbaro Vento Soler, and Dayana Luis Gutiérrez. Carlos Sexto and Jorge Soler are undocumented immigrants with final deportation orders, while Dayana Gutiérrez is a lawful permanent resident. All are facing charges related to drug trafficking, delivery of substances near educational institutions, and child abuse.
What is the State Assistance Task Force for the Eradication of Fentanyl (S.A.F.E.)?
The S.A.F.E. Group is a state initiative in Florida aimed at combating synthetic drug trafficking, especially fentanyl. It is composed of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and several local and federal agencies, such as the DEA and the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) office, among others, that collaborate on the interdiction of illegal substances and the protection of school communities.
How does the anti-narcotics operation affect the immigration status of those detained?
Carlos Alberto Sexto and Jorge Bárbaro Vento Soler have final deportation orders, indicating that they were already undergoing immigration processes before their arrest. Their involvement in criminal activities could expedite their deportation, as U.S. immigration authorities typically prioritize the removal of foreigners with criminal records.
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