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Multi-agency operation dismantles 4 drug trafficking organizations in central Florida

OCALA, Fla. - Representatives from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) joined the sheriffs from Marion and Citrus counties and the police chief of Ocala, Fla., on Tuesday to announce the results of a multi-agency drug trafficking investigation that resulted in 25 arrests and seizures of cash, vehicles, weapons and drugs.

Operation Eclipse uncovered four drug organizations moving more than 180 kilograms of cocaine a year and more than 7,700 pounds of marijuana a year, nearly $12 million in drug trafficking proceeds between Marion and Citrus counties, according to the local sheriffs. The organizations were also trafficking prescription pills.

The alleged leaders of the four drug trafficking organizations, Cresencio Siller, Jason Paul Jones, Brian Graham and Antonio Mathis were arrested among additional members of their organizations.

The investigation started with a cocaine supplier from Marion County who was allegedly supplying a man in Citrus County and led to subsequent investigations into three other drug trafficking organizations, one having ties to Texas.

The Marion County marijuana organization was allegedly run by Cresencio Siller, whose cousin was allegedly the main point of contact for the marijuana coming from Texas. During the investigation, Siller moved to Hernando County, Fla., where two search warrants were served and five arrests were made.

The Citrus County organization was allegedly headed by Jason Paul Jones, who is suspected of trafficking more than 12 kilograms of cocaine and more than 2,500 pounds of marijuana per year.

The other two drug trafficking organizations were dealing in cocaine and prescription pills in Marion County. One organization was allegedly run by Brian Graham. The other organization was allegedly run by Antonio Mathis, who is also accused of supplying Jason Jones in Citrus County.

The investigation conducted by the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team, along with assistance from the Citrus County Sheriff's Office, Multi Agency Drug Enforcement Team, FDLE, ICE and the Drug Enforcement Administration is ongoing and seeks the arrest of additional members.