Operation Sarasota S.U.R.G.E. III: Nearly 40 Arrested, Guns and Drugs Seized

Operation Sarasota S.U.R.G.E. III Unveiled

• 🎯 Operation Sarasota S.U.R.G.E. III, a nine-month joint effort between Sarasota Police and the ATF, has resulted in nearly 40 arrests.
• 🔑 The operation aimed to combat criminal activity, specifically illegal gun and drug dealing, in Sarasota.

Seized Items and Arrests

• 🔫 Police seized over 40 guns, 15 of which were stolen, and 10 linked to shootings in the region.
• 💊 A variety of illegal substances including marijuana, cocaine, THC, meth, fentanyl, and heroin were confiscated.
• ⚖️ A total of 39 individuals were arrested, with suspects facing 185 felony charges combined.

Impact and Law Enforcement Commitment

• 🚨 Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche emphasized that the operation sends a strong message against illegal gun and drug activity.
• 💬 Residents expressed appreciation for law enforcement's efforts in making Sarasota a safer place.
• ⚡ Officers and ATF agents reportedly put their lives on the line during 24/7 operations.

Criminal Backgrounds

• ⚠️ Many arrested individuals have extensive criminal histories, with the arrested individuals collectively holding 188 prior felony convictions in Sarasota.
• 📍 Specific arrests mentioned include Clyde Lee, arrested for selling cocaine, and Damon Deina, arrested for selling marijuana near a park.