An undercover investigation by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force culminated in the arrest today (Wednesday, March 3, 2004) of two suspects on drug trafficking charges and the seizure of 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine.

The following were arrested:
Jerry Lynn Shull, DOB 12/17/67, of 121 1st Street in Eloise, charged with 3 counts of Trafficking in Meth. He was arrested and booked into the Polk County Jail.

Jesus Cabrera, Jr., DOB 11/17/1982, of 110 2nd Street in Eloise, charged with 5 counts of Distribution of Meth. He was arrested and booked in Tampa on Federal charges.

The arrests are the result of an ongoing undercover investigation that began in January.  As part of the investigation, detectives conducted an undercover drug buy in the Winter Haven area this morning, followed by the execution of two search warrants at residences located at 110 2nd Street North in Eloise and 940 Lancaster Road in Winter Haven. During the operation today, 1.5 pounds of meth was seized (see attached photos).

HIDTA Task Force members are from the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Lakeland Police Department, Haines City Police Department, Winter Haven Police Department, Border Patrol and the DEA. HIDTA is a federally grant-funded task force consisting of Polk County Sheriff's detectives and officers from other agencies who are sworn by the Sheriff to enforce the laws in the county as well as their own jurisdictions. The HIDTA grant was designed for the I-4 corridor drug traffic area. The corridor consists of every county adjacent to the I-4 area. The grant allows monies for training, equipment, purchasing evidence and payment of confidential informants.