Winter Haven, Fla., August 29, 2024—Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted Florida’s ongoing efforts to maintain law and order, combat the flow of illegal drugs, and address illegal immigration in the state. Speaking from Winter Haven, DeSantis underscored the effectiveness of legislation and initiatives aimed at bolstering law enforcement and protecting Floridians from the scourge of fentanyl and other illegal substances.
Last year, Governor DeSantis signed into law the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (SAFE) grant program, which allocates critical funding to law enforcement agencies across Florida to conduct large-scale drug operations. This program is part of a broader legislative package designed to enhance public safety by increasing penalties for drug and human traffickers, curbing illegal immigration, and attracting law enforcement officers to the state.
“Leadership matters,” said Governor DeSantis. “Law and order is upheld when leaders are committed to enforcing the law. Florida has taken decisive action to combat crime, bring in police officers from across the country, prevent cities from defunding the police, and, when necessary, remove state attorneys who fail to enforce the law.”
Attorney General Ashley Moody echoed DeSantis’s sentiments, attributing Florida’s success in maintaining safety and prosperity to the state’s law enforcement efforts. “Florida is a law-and-order state, and through proactive leadership and diligent law enforcement, we continue to prosper, break tourism records, and lead in new business formations,” Moody stated.
The SAFE program, approved by Governor DeSantis in 2023 with $20 million in funding, has been instrumental in taking drugs off the streets and dismantling drug trafficking operations. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner praised the collaborative efforts of state troopers and local law enforcement, noting that Florida’s law enforcement officers are celebrated, not demonized, for their dangerous work.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd also commended the governor and state legislature for their unwavering support of law enforcement. “We are a law-and-order state, and proud of it,” Judd said. “Because of this, our communities are thriving. Florida is a safe place to live, work, and play.”
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass pointed to the state’s success in eradicating drugs and apprehending criminals as a model for the nation, contrasting Florida’s approach with that of states facing higher crime rates.
Since the SAFE program’s inception, local law enforcement agencies have used its funds to conduct successful operations across the state. For instance, in January 2024, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 11 individuals for trafficking fentanyl and cocaine, seizing nearly 8 pounds of fentanyl and 30 pounds of cocaine. In other operations, significant amounts of drugs, firearms, and cash were confiscated, leading to the arrests of numerous traffickers.
One of the program’s most notable successes occurred in August 2024, when a SAFE-funded investigation dismantled a drug trafficking operation in St. Petersburg that was responsible for manufacturing hundreds of doses of fentanyl daily. Law enforcement officers seized 10.7 kilos of fentanyl, along with other illegal substances, firearms, and over $500,000 in cash.
Overall, the SAFE program has resulted in more than 650 arrests and the seizure of over 145 pounds of fentanyl, 220 pounds of cocaine, and 60,000 fentanyl pills. These achievements, Governor DeSantis asserts, demonstrate Florida’s commitment to law and order and its role as a national leader in public safety. While just a drop in the bucket on a national scale, every bit removed from the streets is a win.
