The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday with the help of multiple agencies, they were able to take down a drug smuggling operation based in Jacksonville.

”By taking down operations like this by utilizing local, state, and federal  law enforcement resources, is critical to our success,” says Sheriff John Rutherford.

Rutherford says the investigation took full swing after the arrest of 29-year-old George Waziri, the ringleader of the operation in Jacksonville. According to police, they found $72 thousand dollars in a hidden compartment of Waziri’s rental car.

Following his arrest, 17 were arrested on drug trafficking and conspiracy charges. Rutherford says four are still on the loose.

Rutherford says the operation ran all the way from Mexico to California. He says the drugs were sold in states such as Arizona, Jacksonville, and Georgia.

“We know, historically, 200 kilos a year being moved by this organization. That is very, very significant,” says Rutherford.

WOKV learned the name of the operation came from the leader Waziri who was called  “dot” on the streets.