Two men were arrested this week during a SWAT operation by the Police of Miami Beach, which resulted in the seizure of a significant and diverse amount of drugs.
According to the authorities, the substances were distributed in the vicinity of several schools and a religious temple in the North Beach area.
The images released by the police depict the moment when heavily armed agents executed a search warrant in an apartment near 76th Street.
In the video, one of the arrested individuals, 34 years old and identified as Ricardo Ramos, is seen being escorted out of the residence while the officers secure the area and begin the search of the property.
Months of research
According to the Miami Beach Police, the investigation began in July 2025 following an anonymous tip about a man distributing methamphetamine in North Beach.
Ricardo Ramos -whose nationality of origin has not been disclosed- was identified as the main suspect.
According to the authorities, the detectives determined that the accused "was moving between residences to evade the police and used multiple locations to receive drugs and conduct transactions."
As part of the investigative process, the agents conducted undercover purchases. The police indicated that on January 27, Ramos met with an undercover agent near the intersection of 76th Street and Dickens Avenue, where he sold methamphetamine less than 1,000 feet (about 300 meters) from the Menorah Temple, a synagogue, and several local schools.
The authorities emphasized that the transactions took place in a sensitive area due to its proximity to educational institutions and family residences.
On Tuesday night, the SWAT team executed a search warrant at the apartment linked to Ramos. The raid resulted in the seizure of multiple types of drugs and other items that are now part of the investigation.
According to the police report, the following were confiscated:
Approximately 24 kilograms of 1,4-butanediol, packaged in 500 ml bottles labeled as household cleaner.
Approximately 256 grams of crystal methamphetamine.
Approximately 236 grams (424 tablets) of phenethylamine/MDMA (ecstasy).
-28 grams of crystalline MDMA.
-68 grams of 2-CB.
-12 Xanax pills.
-32 grams of cocaine distributed in 24 small bags.
-32 grams of ketamine.
1-0 grams of fresh cannabis.
During the procedure, seven mobile phones and an iPad were also seized.
Police spokesperson Christopher Bess stated that the devices "are linked to multiple cases of fraud," which broadens the potential scope of the case beyond drug trafficking.
Arrests and charges
In addition to Ramos, Remigio Romero, 52, was arrested. Authorities did not immediately provide details on the specific charges against Romero.
Ramos, for his part, faces multiple charges related to drug trafficking and the sale of controlled substances, including charges for selling narcotics within 1,000 feet of a school.
On Wednesday, he appeared before a court, where a judge set his bail at approximately $80,000, according to court records.
The spokesperson, Christopher Bess, emphasized the seriousness of the case due to the location of the sales: “They seized a variety of narcotics, from cocaine to methamphetamine, but most importantly, we were able to confiscate them before a child could obtain them from a nearby school.”
He added that the situation is "extremely concerning and shows that our defendant had no respect for the lives of our residents or for the children who attend the school."
Bess also warned that the process is not over: “The fact that an arrest has been made does not necessarily mean that the investigation has concluded. This investigation is ongoing, and our investigators and the police department will continue to do everything possible to ensure that drugs are never sold in Miami Beach again.”
Institutional message
The chief of Miami Beach Police, Wayne Jones, emphasized that the case was the result of several months of coordinated effort.
"This case reflects months of coordinated investigative work and strong alliances at both the local and federal levels," he stated in a press release. "It highlights our commitment to protecting our residents, children, and families, and to ensuring that those who attempt to distribute dangerous drugs near schools and places of worship are held accountable."
Jones also thanked the community for the information provided that initiated the investigation, emphasizing the importance of citizen collaboration in such cases.
Authorities have reiterated that the case remains open. The examination of the seized electronic devices could lead to new charges or the identification of other individuals allegedly involved.
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