Florida authorities arrested more than a dozen people in connection with a cross-country drug trafficking ring that utilized over-the-road (OTR) trucking companies without their knowledge.
On October 13, 2026, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest of more than twenty individuals after agents executed arrest warrants charging Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering, Trafficking in Cocaine, Trafficking in Fentanyl, and Trafficking in Methamphetamine on targets across Palm Beach, St. Lucie, and Broward Counties.
Uthmeier said that the arrested individuals took part in a drug trafficking organization that “distributed large quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other controlled substances, and utilized OTR freight carriers—without the carriers’ knowledge—to smuggle cocaine from California into Florida.”
An investigation was launched in March 2026 after the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division followed social media activity to a local drug distributor. Using undercover agents and surveillance, investigators were able to identify a “well-organized” cocaine distribution network allegedly involving suspect Ariel Fernandez-Alonso and his associates.
“Fernandez-Alonso was identified as a major supplier who stated he received 50 to 60 kilograms of cocaine every 15 days. The organization used unknowing over-the-road freight carriers to transport multi-kilogram shipments from California into Florida. Agents located and interdicted one such shipment as Fernandez-Alonso and associates began breaking down a pallet containing more than 40 kilograms of cocaine,” Uthmeier said in a news release announcing the arrests.
Those charged include:
- Ariel Fernandez-Alonso, charged with Trafficking in Cocaine (400 grams or more but less than 150 kilograms) (F.S. 893.135(1)(b)1c), a first-degree felony, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device (F.S. 934.215).
- Richard Paterniti, Kenneth Charles, Craig Benard, and others, charged with Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering (F.S. 895.03(4)), a first-degree felony, along with trafficking offenses involving cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device (F.S. 934.215).
- Jerri Kitzelman and Jerry Salerno, charged with Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering (F.S. 895.03(4)) and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device (F.S. 934.215).
“This joint operation dismantled a sophisticated criminal enterprise that was pumping dangerous drugs into Palm Beach, St. Lucie, and Broward County communities,” said Uthmeier. “Through the tireless work of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and our statewide prosecutors, we seized large amounts of cocaine, along with fentanyl and oxycodone pills. Florida families deserve safe streets free of these deadly substances, and we will hold every member of this organization accountable.”
“Let me be clear: if you bring dangerous drugs into Palm Beach County, we will find you, shut down your operation, and bring you to justice,” said Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. “This operation sends a strong message that we will not tolerate drug trafficking in our communities.”
Investigating agencies include the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division and the Office of Statewide Prosecution, the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office
