Flagler undercover operation yields more than 35 pounds of illegal drugs recovered, 12 arrests, sheriff says

Flagler County Operation Silent Night press conference

Flagler County Sheriff announced the results of a 10-month secret operation, called "Operation Silent Night."

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. - A Flagler County Sheriff's Office undercover operation has resulted in the recovery of more than 35 pounds of illegal drugs and 12 arrests.

Sheriff Rick Staly hosted a press conference Thursday afternoon to announce the results of the operation, which was deemed "Operation Silent Night."

Staly said the operation targeted drug dealers throughout Flagler County from Jan. 3 to Nov. 7.

Officials say the operation concluded with a warrant sweep Thursday morning in which all 12 offenders were arrested.

Those arrested during Operation Silent Night include:

Luis Gil, 56, Palm Coast: Trafficking in Cocaine, Sale of Cocaine
Robert Cone, 50, Bunnell: Sale of Methamphetamine
John Harris, 35, Palm Coast: Sale of Cocaine, Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device
Devarus Bethea, 37, Palm Coast: Trafficking in Fentanyl, Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device
James Forbes, 55, Bunnell: Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device
Michael Allison, 37, Palm Coast: Sale of a Fentanyl, Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device
Winston Rawlings, 34, Palm Coast: Sale of Fentanyl, Sale of Cocaine, Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device
Jerry Spates, 69, Bunnell: Two counts of Sale of Cocaine within 1,000 feet of a Specified Area
Samuel Johnson Jr., 63, Bunnell: Sale of Cocaine within 1,000 feet of a Park
Lizzette Johnson, 50, Palm Coast: Sale of Cocaine within 1,000 feet of a Park
Spencer Sarmento, 32, Bunnell: Sale of Heroin

Through more than 20 undercover operations, Staly said the department obtained 16.1 kilograms, or 35-and-one-half pounds, of various illegal drugs.

The drugs seized include 164 grams of cocaine, 261 grams of methamphetamine, 109 grams of fentanyl (which is enough to potentially kill 54,000 people), and 14,000 grams of marijuana, the report states.

Officials say the items seized during the undercover operation included 16.1 kilograms, or 35-and-one-half pounds, of various illegal drugs. (Credit: Flager County Sheriff's Office)

Staly said seven firearms and $16,705 in cash also were collected.

During the same time frame, the sheriff's office said they responded to 41 calls for service related to overdoses.

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Staly said the office will continue to conduct undercover operations throughout 2025.

"I commend our SIU team for working hard over the last 10 months getting this poison off our streets," Staly said. "Thanks to their efforts and help from our SWAT team, K-9 teams, PACE, CPD and communications team, these poison peddlers were swept up this morning and will be spending the holiday season in the Green Roof Inn."

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