JUST IN: Governor DeSantis Highlights SAFE Program’s Record Seizures and Crackdown on Cartels in Orlando, FL

Ron DeSantis in Orlando, Florida

Governor Ron DeSantis Highlights SAFE Program’s Record Seizures and Crackdown on Cartels

September 2, 2025 | Orlando, Fla. – Governor Ron DeSantis announced today that Florida’s State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (SAFE) grant program has delivered unprecedented results in the fight against drug cartels, fentanyl trafficking, and organized crime across the state.

Since its launch in 2023, the SAFE program has become a cornerstone of Florida’s anti-drug enforcement strategy, channeling millions in state funding to local agencies and providing law enforcement with the resources needed to dismantle cartel-linked operations in neighborhoods across Florida.

“In the two years since we established SAFE, the impact is undeniable,” Governor DeSantis said during remarks in Orlando. “Almost 200 investigations have led to more than 2,100 arrests, and Florida law enforcement has taken hundreds of pounds of deadly fentanyl and other drugs off our streets. These aren’t just small-time busts—they are major cartel-linked operations that would have devastated our communities.”

Record Seizures: Enough to Kill Over 100 Million

SAFE-funded operations have led to the seizure of 485 pounds of fentanyl and more than 63,000 fentanyl pills—a lethal supply with the potential to kill more than 100 million people. Law enforcement has also seized:

• 545 pounds of cocaine

• Over 300 pounds of methamphetamine

• $4.6 million in cash

• 730 firearms

• 76 drug-trafficking vehicles

Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Commissioner Mark Glass praised the results:
“FDLE, alongside our sheriffs and police chiefs, are making Florida the least hospitable state in America for cartel activity. If you are pushing poison into Florida, FDLE will catch you and take you to prison.”

SAFE Success Stories Across Florida

Several high-profile cases underscore SAFE’s impact:

• Polk County: Sheriff Grady Judd’s team seized 64 pounds of fentanyl in a single case—the largest in county history and enough to kill 14 million people. This one operation alone accounted for a quarter of all fentanyl seized under SAFE.

• Orlando (Operation Burn Baby Burn): A multi-agency effort resulted in 17 arrests and the seizure of 6 pounds of fentanyl and 4 pounds of cocaine with a street value of $1.5 million. The fentanyl seized was enough to kill 1.3 million people.

• Jacksonville (Operation Jacob’s Ladder): FDLE dismantled a Gulf Cartel pipeline sending monthly truckloads of drugs into Florida. Agents seized 164 pounds of cocaine, massive quantities of fentanyl, and over a dozen firearms.

• Suwannee County: FDLE and local deputies intercepted enough fentanyl to wipe out the county’s population 43 times over.

• South Florida: FDLE dismantled a fentanyl-laced meth distribution ring that was using street dealers at motels to flood local communities.

• Panhandle: Agents arrested an illegal alien cartel smuggler, previously deported twice, who was trafficking migrants from multiple countries.

Funding Challenges Ahead

While Governor DeSantis celebrated SAFE’s achievements, he also warned of looming funding issues. Last year, he recommended $20 million to keep SAFE fully operational, but the legislature approved just $13 million.

“That might barely get us through this fiscal year,” DeSantis said. “But we need more for our law enforcement to keep winning against the cartels. SAFE is saving lives every day, and the legislature should fully fund this essential program.”

Looking Forward

DeSantis emphasized that Florida will continue to lead the nation in combating fentanyl and cartel activity. He promised to push for additional funding to expand SAFE operations, ensuring law enforcement remains equipped to dismantle trafficking networks and protect families across the state.

“We will not allow drug cartels to poison our communities,” DeSantis declared. “With SAFE, Florida will continue setting the national standard for fighting fentanyl, taking deadly drugs off our streets, and protecting public safety.”

FAQs on Florida’s SAFE Program (State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication)

1. What is the SAFE Program?

The State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (SAFE) grant program is a Florida state-funded initiative launched in 2023 to support law enforcement in combating fentanyl trafficking, drug cartels, and organized crime.

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2. Why did Florida launch the SAFE Program?

Florida launched SAFE to address the fentanyl crisis, which has become one of the leading causes of drug overdose deaths. The program ensures local law enforcement agencies have the resources to dismantle cartel-linked operations and seize deadly drugs before they hit the streets.

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3. How successful has the SAFE Program been so far?

Since its launch, SAFE has supported 200 investigations, leading to:

• 2,127 arrests

• 485 pounds of fentanyl seized

• 63,000+ fentanyl pills seized

• 545 pounds of cocaine seized

• 300+ pounds of meth seized

• $4.6 million in cash seized

• 730+ firearms confiscated

• 76 drug vehicles seized

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4. Why is fentanyl such a big concern?

Fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and just a few milligrams can be fatal. The fentanyl seized under SAFE was enough to kill more than 100 million people—almost one-third of the U.S. population.

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5. What are some examples of SAFE operations?

• Polk County: Seized 64 lbs. of fentanyl, enough to kill 14 million people.

• Orlando (Operation Burn Baby Burn): 17 arrests, 6 lbs. fentanyl + 4 lbs. cocaine worth $1.5 million seized.

• Jacksonville (Operation Jacob’s Ladder): Seized 164 lbs. cocaine and major cartel pipeline dismantled.

• Suwannee County: Fentanyl seized equal to killing the population 43 times over.

• South Florida: Dismantled fentanyl-laced meth distribution ring.

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6. Which cartels have been targeted?

SAFE operations have taken down cartel-linked operations tied to Sinaloa, Jalisco, and Gulf Cartel networks that were smuggling drugs into Florida.

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7. Who oversees the SAFE Program?

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) oversees SAFE in partnership with local sheriffs, police chiefs, and state prosecutors.

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8. What role does Governor Ron DeSantis play?

Governor DeSantis championed the creation of SAFE in 2023, has consistently advocated for increased funding, and regularly highlights SAFE’s results to demonstrate Florida’s leadership in combating fentanyl.

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9. How much funding does SAFE receive?

DeSantis requested $20 million in 2024, but the legislature approved $13 million. He has pledged to push for more funding in the upcoming fiscal year.

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10. How does SAFE funding work?

SAFE provides direct financial support to law enforcement agencies so they can:

• Conduct long-term drug investigations.

• Hire and train officers.

• Purchase surveillance equipment.

• Fund multi-agency task forces.

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11. What happens to the seized cash and property?

The cash and assets seized during operations typically go through legal forfeiture processes and are redirected to law enforcement or community programs under state law.

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12. How does the SAFE Program protect local communities?

By disrupting trafficking pipelines, seizing lethal drugs, and dismantling violent networks, SAFE reduces overdose deaths, weakens cartel operations, and enhances public safety across Florida.

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13. How does SAFE compare to federal anti-drug efforts?

Governor DeSantis argues that while federal border security has weakened, Florida has “set the national standard” for drug interdiction and enforcement through programs like SAFE.

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14. What message does Florida send to traffickers?

Governor DeSantis and FDLE officials warn:
“If you bring poison into Florida, you will be caught, arrested, and jailed.”

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15. What is next for the SAFE Program?

Governor DeSantis plans to recommend additional funding and expand SAFE operations to ensure Florida continues leading the fight against drug cartels and fentanyl trafficking.