Polk County Cracks Down on Fentanyl and Meth Trafficking Rings

Multi-agency operations lead to dozens of arrests and major drug seizures

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Detectives from the Polk County Sheriff's Office High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (H.I.D.T.A.) Task Force have significantly disrupted the trafficking of fentanyl and methamphetamine into the county during two special operations that resulted in many arrests and the seizure of drugs and weapons.

Why it matters

The operations targeted a major drug trafficking organization operating across multiple Florida counties, highlighting the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis and the dangerous impacts of fentanyl and methamphetamine on local communities.

The details

Operation Bloodline and Operation Flatline resulted in the arrests of 51 suspects, and the seizure of 78 pounds of methamphetamine, 14.55 pounds of fentanyl, 13 firearms, and approximately $20,000 in cash. The investigation, which involved wiretaps and undercover operations, uncovered a supply line of methamphetamine from California to Polk County, as well as the involvement of a known Florida gang leader, Jemarion Young, and his associates.

  • In August 2025, detectives began investigating Jemarion Young of Winter Haven.
  • On December 15, 2025, detectives intercepted a delivery of ten pounds of methamphetamine.
  • On December 23, 2025, 42-year-old Angela Valenta was found unresponsive in a Lake Wales hotel room after receiving fentanyl from William Benjamin Newton, Jr., leading to the launch of Operation Flatline.
  • On January 28, 2026, Joshua Puckelwartz, a rapper known as Tommi Boy Wayne, fled from a traffic stop and crashed on I-275, where he was arrested in possession of about 12 pounds of methamphetamine.
  • On January 16, 2026, Jerell Carr, a gang member recently released from prison, crashed his car after fleeing from a Florida Highway Patrol trooper in Lakeland, where he was found in possession of cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana.

The players

Jemarion Young

A 36-year-old Winter Haven resident and a Florida gang leader who was a major drug trafficker of methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Britney Jefferson

A 37-year-old Winter Haven resident accused of coordinating a delivery of methamphetamine from California to Polk County. She is the sister of Demarcus and Antonio Jefferson, who were both arrested during the PCSO's Operation Flying Ice in 2022.

Joshua Puckelwartz

A 33-year-old Tampa resident and rapper who calls himself Tommi Boy Wayne. He was arrested in possession of about 12 pounds of methamphetamine after fleeing from a traffic stop and crashing on I-275.

Michael Wells

A 34-year-old Winter Haven resident and a close associate of Jemarion Young, who participated in the acquisition and distribution of methamphetamine.

Steven Jackson

A 32-year-old Lakeland resident and gang member who was identified as a supplier of fentanyl to Jemarion Young.

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What they’re saying

“Traffickers of methamphetamine and fentanyl are literally murdering people and tearing apart families. The men and women who go after these drug dealers are doing a noble, but dangerous job—putting their own lives on the line, to protect their communities from the drug traffickers who are profiting from this destruction.”

— Grady Judd, Sheriff (dailyridge.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow William Benjamin Newton, Jr. out on bail, as he could face first-degree murder charges if the victim, Angela Valenta, passes away from the fentanyl overdose.

The takeaway

These operations highlight the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis and the devastating impact of fentanyl and methamphetamine on local communities. The arrests and seizures of drugs and weapons demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement to disrupt drug trafficking networks and protect public safety.