Gang Member Convicted for Fentanyl, Meth Trafficking in Florida Prison Operation

Franklin Guillen Lara faces up to 120 years in prison for his role in the prison-based drug network.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A member of the Sureños gang, Franklin Guillen Lara, was convicted last week by a Hendry County jury for trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine as part of a prison-based drug operation that flooded Florida communities with deadly narcotics. Lara faces between 25 and 120 years in prison for his involvement in the gang's drug trafficking activities.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of combating drug trafficking and gang activity within the prison system, which can have devastating impacts on local communities. The coordinated law enforcement effort to dismantle this criminal network underscores the importance of collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies in addressing these complex public safety issues.

The details

Lara was found guilty of trafficking fentanyl, trafficking methamphetamine, conspiracy to traffic fentanyl, and conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine. The case stems from a 2022 investigation called Operation 13 Tiers, which revealed that incarcerated leaders of the Sureños gang operated a drug trafficking operation from within Florida prisons. The gang sometimes worked with MS-13 and the Latin Kings, with their ruling body called the Mesa authorizing member requests to execute other inmates and continue drug distribution sourced from Mexico and California.

  • Lara was convicted by a Hendry County jury last week.
  • Lara will be sentenced on March 9, 2026.
  • Valentin Gomez, another SUR-13 member, pleaded guilty on January 30, 2026 and will be sentenced on March 3, 2026.

The players

Franklin Guillen Lara

A member of the Sureños gang who was convicted for trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine as part of a prison-based drug operation.

James Uthmeier

The Attorney General who announced Lara's conviction in Fort Myers.

Eli Lawson

The FDLE Special Agent in Charge who spoke about the investigation and partnership with the Office of Statewide Prosecution.

John Yancey

The HSI Resident Agent in Charge in Fort Myers who emphasized the commitment to dismantling violent criminal organizations.

Valentin Gomez

Another SUR-13 member who pleaded guilty to armed trafficking in amphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine.

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What they’re saying

“The conviction we announced today has a criminal alien facing between 25 and 120 years in prison for his involvement in a gang that pushed fentanyl into Florida communities.”

— James Uthmeier, Attorney General

“Bringing all 25 members of this criminal network to justice took years of relentless investigative work and unwavering partnership.”

— Eli Lawson, FDLE Special Agent in Charge

“This case demonstrates the commitment of Homeland Security Investigations to collaborate with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to dismantle violent criminal organizations that threaten the safety of our communities.”

— John Yancey, HSI Resident Agent in Charge in Fort Myers

What’s next

Lara will be sentenced on March 9, 2026, and Valentin Gomez will be sentenced on March 3, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat the dangerous nexus of gang activity, drug trafficking, and violence within the prison system, which can have far-reaching consequences for communities. The coordinated investigation and prosecution of this criminal network demonstrate the importance of interagency cooperation in dismantling these complex criminal operations.