Bradenton Police Arrest Suspected Drug Trafficker, Seize Guns in Multi-Agency Raid

Bradenton Police have arrested a suspected drug trafficker following a coordinated search warrant operation carried out this week by the department’s Crime Reduction Team (CRT), with support from SWAT, Homeland Security, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

The operation targeted the residence of Olvin Gutierrez Ponce, who now faces multiple felony charges, including possession with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a house of worship.

During the search, law enforcement officials recovered three firearms, one of which had been reported stolen. The seizure marks a continued effort by the CRT to reduce gun violence and drug-related crime in the Bradenton community.

This latest recovery brings the number of illegal firearms removed from the streets by the Crime Reduction Team to 34 so far this year. Since its formation in mid-2024, the CRT has seized a total of 87 firearms.

Bradenton Police say the operation is part of an ongoing strategy to dismantle criminal networks and protect public safety in areas most affected by drug trafficking and gun violence.