Six arrested in drug investigation
Two Cape Coral residences and a North Fort Myers towing and repair business were searched as part of a drug investigation into heroin sales.
Six people were arrested and two tow trucks were seized along with nearly $41,000 in cash, drugs, and guns, according to a release from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office Field Support Unit, along with the Narcotics Unit, concluded on June 11 a month-long investigation into what officials say was a local drug ring known for selling large amounts of heroin.
According to detectives, an investigation began into a suspected drug house at 4958 Dean Street in Fort Myers. As sellers and suppliers began to be identified, detectives began undercover purchases at the location. Gorge “Tonka” Vargas, 33, was identified as the main supplier, the release states.
“Vargas owns a tow truck company believed to be a ‘front’ for his heroin distribution business,” officials said.
Detectives gathered evidence throughout the investigation which led to search warrants at the following locations:
Residence at 3936 Palm Tree Blvd., Cape Coral
Residence at 4151 Garden Blvd., Cape Coral
Residence at 4958 Dean Street, Fort Myers
Tony’s Towing and Repair, 16051 O’neal Road, North Fort Myers
During the investigation and service of the search warrants, the following items were located and seized:
$40,951 in US Currency
127.6 grams of Heroin (Approximately a quarter pound) with an estimated street value of over $15,000
2005 International Truck and Engine Corp Tow Truck
1997 International Truck and Engine Corp Tow Truck
Two firearms (one of which was stolen)
60 Methadone pills (14.9 grams).
The following individuals were arrested and charged with the listed crimes:
Gorge Vargas, 33, Trafficking in Heroin, Trafficking in Controlled Substance, Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon
Kathleen Smith, 22, Trafficking in Heroin, Trafficking in Controlled Substance
Britiny Ward, 23, Sale of Heroin, Possession of Heroin
Javier Villar, 51, Sale of Heroin (2 Counts), Possession of Heroin (2 Counts), Trafficking in Heroin
Jose Dejesus, 43, Possession of Heroin, Driving While License Suspended/Revoked
Zacharias Aguedo, 35, (1) Sale of Heroin, (2) Possession of Heroin, (3) Trafficking in Heroin
Source. Lee County Sheriff’s Office