Final Fugitive in Major Drug Trafficking Case Arrested in Kissimmee

Efren Berumen, the last outstanding suspect in Operation 13 Tiers, was taken into custody by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has arrested Efren Berumen, the final outstanding suspect in Operation 13 Tiers, a multi-year drug-trafficking investigation targeting members of the SUR 13 criminal gang. Berumen, 42, was taken into custody on February 7th in Osceola County, Florida on charges related to the trafficking of methamphetamine and fentanyl across Southwest Florida.

Why it matters

The SUR 13 gang, also known as the Surenos, is a criminal organization that began as a prison gang in Southern California in the 1960s and 1970s. The successful arrest of Berumen, the last remaining fugitive in this major drug trafficking case, represents a significant victory in the ongoing battle against the opioid epidemic and organized crime in Florida.

The details

The investigation that began in July 2021 revealed individuals associated with the SUR 13 gang were trafficking narcotics, including fentanyl, across Southwest Florida. The gang leader and state prison inmate, Carlos Martinez, orchestrated the trafficking of narcotics across the country. In 2022, arrest warrants were filed for Martinez and 23 of his co-conspirators on charges including conspiracy to commit murder, racketeering and various drug trafficking charges. Berumen, identified as the 25th suspect in the case, was the final gang member at large until his arrest with assistance from the Osceola County Sheriff's Office.

  • The investigation began in July 2021.
  • In 2022, arrest warrants were filed for the gang leader and 23 co-conspirators.
  • Efren Berumen was arrested on February 7, 2026.

The players

Efren Berumen

A 42-year-old Kissimmee man who was the final outstanding suspect in Operation 13 Tiers, a multi-year drug-trafficking investigation.

Carlos Martinez

The gang leader and state prison inmate who orchestrated the trafficking of narcotics across the country.

SUR 13

Also known as the Surenos, a criminal gang that began as a prison gang in Southern California in the 1960s and 1970s.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)

The state law enforcement agency that led the multi-year investigation and arrested the final fugitive in the case.

Osceola County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that assisted the FDLE in arresting Efren Berumen in Kissimmee.

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What’s next

Efren Berumen will be extradited to Hendry County to face charges related to the drug trafficking operation.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies in Florida to dismantle criminal organizations like the SUR 13 gang and combat the widespread distribution of dangerous narcotics like fentanyl. The successful conclusion of Operation 13 Tiers demonstrates the effectiveness of collaborative investigations and the importance of removing high-level drug traffickers from communities.