Manatee County Sheriff's Office Seizes 1.3 Kilos of Fentanyl in County's Largest Drug Bust

In the largest fentanyl seizure in Manatee County history, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office (MCSO), in collaboration with the DEA, FDLE, and other federal partners, announced the takedown of a major drug trafficking operation responsible for distributing lethal narcotics across multiple Florida counties.

Dubbed “Operation Dead End,” the 10-month-long investigation resulted in the arrest of several individuals believed to be key members of a drug ring operating primarily out of Bradenton. Authorities recovered approximately 1.3 kilograms of fentanyl—enough to kill more than 650,000 people—along with cocaine, methamphetamine, firearms, and over $100,000 in cash.

A total of seven individuals have been arrested as part of the operation:

• Terrence Lamar Jackson, 38 – Trafficking fentanyl, racketeering, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

• Shanice Marie Boyd, 32 – Conspiracy to traffic fentanyl, money laundering

• Luis Fernando Rivera, 29 – Trafficking cocaine, possession with intent to sell methamphetamine

• Demetrius Allen Brooks, 40 – Racketeering, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances

• Andre Lamont Fields, 36 – Possession of fentanyl with intent to sell, conspiracy to traffic narcotics

• Kenyatta Terrell Simmons, 41 – Racketeering, trafficking fentanyl

• Tameka Renae Holloway, 33 – Conspiracy to traffic fentanyl, unlawful use of a communication device

Two additional suspects remain wanted:

• Marquis Darnell Johnson, 30 – Trafficking fentanyl, conspiracy to distribute

• Jerome Quincy Tate, 44 – Racketeering, trafficking in illegal narcotics

Authorities are actively seeking information regarding the whereabouts of the two wanted individuals and encourage the public to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477).

The bust comes at a time when Manatee County is facing a deadly surge in fentanyl-related overdoses. In 2024, the county recorded 127 fentanyl-related deaths, marking its deadliest year on record and a sharp increase from 94 deaths in 2023. Health officials attribute the spike to a growing presence of illicitly manufactured fentanyl and counterfeit pills.

Authorities say the bust will significantly disrupt the local supply chain and save lives in a region already overwhelmed by the opioid epidemic. Law enforcement urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The investigation remains ongoing, with additional arrests anticipated.