Operation Overdrive Press Conference (5/7/24)
Dismantling drug trafficking organizations that plagued our community, Tampa Police alongside local, state, and federal partners were able to apprehend 32 primary and secondary targets, including Edward Verdi Bruno, Palmetto Beach trafficking organization leader. Verdi Bruno and 15 other suspects were sentenced to 125 years in federal prison. Sixteen other suspects are still pending sentencing or trial at the federal or state level.
During the operation, approximately 34 pounds of illicit drugs, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, and 28 firearms were seized.
As a result of Operation Overdrive, we saw a 30% decrease in Narcan deployment and 50% reduction in overdose-related deaths within four months of the operation. The dismantling of the organizations played a significant factor in our city’s 8.3% decrease in overall violent crime in 2023.
Proving we are safer together, we will continue our commitment to dismantling local trafficking organizations who threaten the overall safety of our community every day.