Undercover operations lead to multiple drug dealer arrests in West Volusia.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

The Volusia Sheriff's Office (VSO) recently concluded a series of covert narcotics investigations, leading to the apprehension of eight street-level drug dealers. Additionally, six more individuals remain wanted for selling illicit substances such as heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl within the region.

Over three months, the Deltona Narcotics Enforcement Team, a division of VSO, meticulously carried out 28 controlled narcotics purchases as part of their operation. The team's efforts yielded substantial results, with the seizure of approximately 182 grams of heroin/fentanyl, 67 grams of methamphetamine, 106 grams of cocaine, and an assortment of pills.

According to a release, the arrests included one drug dealer (Rene Roque), who lived in the woods near the DeBary neighborhood of Saxon Woods. In February, a group of kids playing in a field near the woods found the body of a woman who was later determined to have suffered a fentanyl and methamphetamine overdose shortly after leaving Roque’s campsite.

The individuals arrested during the operation and their charges are as follows:

• Russell Thomas Spor II: Sale of heroin
• Ronald Lee Stidd Jr.: Sale of heroin
• Adalberto Pereira Cruz Marecos: Sale of methamphetamine
• William Charles Remelius: Sale of heroin
• Christopher Frizzell: Sale of fentanyl
• Alexander Cepeda: Sale of methamphetamine
• Rene Roque: Sale of fentanyl
• Kwame Garvey Joseph: Sale of Schedule IV substance (Oxycodone)

As of the latest update, the following individuals remain at large and are wanted for their involvement in drug-related offenses:

• Luis Quiles Jr.: Sale of methamphetamine
• Darren Lawayne Graham: Sale of heroin
• Keith Lane Kratzer: Sale of heroin within 1,000 feet of a park
• Ra’kim Me’shod Edwards: Sale of fentanyl
• Latoya Lawson: Sale of fentanyl
• Jonathan Rodriguez: Trafficking in fentanyl

Jonathan Rodriguez's whereabouts are known to law enforcement, as he is in the hospital for an unrelated medical issue.

The Deltona Narcotics Enforcement Team received support from District 4’s Crime Suppression Team and the Criminal Investigations Division for several of these arrests. The Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that similar operations are ongoing and will continue in the future as part of continued efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking in the West Volusia area.