From July to November 2024, the Orlando Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Division (DED) and the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigations (MBI) conducted Operation Night Cap, a targeted effort to address drug sales and safety violations in the Downtown Entertainment Area (DEA). The operation resulted in 85 charges against 32 individuals and uncovered widespread violations of After Midnight Alcohol Sales (AMS) Permit requirements.
Undercover officers visited 23 bars and nightclubs in the DEA, making illegal drug purchases that included fentanyl, cocaine, ecstasy, ketamine, methamphetamine, psychedelics (2C), and cannabis. Among the 32 suspects charged, five were employees of the establishments where the drug transactions occurred. So far, 11 individuals have been arrested, with a combined criminal history of 87 felony convictions and 51 misdemeanors.
Details of the arrests include:
- Derek Steven Jackson (DOB: 06/22/1995)
- Location: Bullit Bar (33 East Pine Street)
- Role: Promoter/Manager at Bullit Bar
- Charges:
- Sale/Delivery of Cocaine
- Possession of Cocaine
- Darius Montrel Smith (DOB: 06/06/1995)
- Location: Swiggs (50 East Central Boulevard)
- Role: Security Guard at Swiggs
- Charges:
- Sale/Delivery of Cocaine
- Possession of Cocaine
- Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device
- Mitch Abdul Brown Harper (DOB: 02/02/1973)
- Location: Fixtion Restaurant & Bar (15 North Orange Avenue)
- Charges:
- Sale/Delivery of Cocaine
- Possession of Cocaine
- Vincent Michael Cardone (DOB: 04/22/1993)
- Locations:
- Fixtion Restaurant & Bar (15 North Orange Avenue)
- Underground (19 South Orange Avenue)
- Bullit Bar (33 East Pine Street)
- Taco Kat (11 South Court Avenue)
- Charges:
- Four Counts of Sale/Delivery of Cocaine
- Four Counts of Possession of Cocaine
- Locations:
- Prince Oghenevwegba Doghor (DOB: 03/11/2002)
- Location: Shots (69 East Pine Street)
- Charges:
- Sale/Delivery of Cannabis
- Martin Cabrera Santos (DOB: 07/04/1996)
- Location: Taco Kat (11 South Court Avenue)
- Charges:
- Sale/Delivery of Cocaine
- Possession of Cocaine
- Joel Jesoel Sanchez (DOB: 01/07/2002)
- Location: Fixtion (15 North Orange Avenue)
- Charges:
- Sale/Delivery of Cocaine
- Possession of Cocaine
- Brandon Smith (DOB: 08/08/1992)
- Location: Room 22 (114 South Orange Avenue)
- Charges:
- Sale/Delivery of Cocaine
- Possession of Cocaine
- Daniel Jusino Garcia (DOB: 07/19/1995)
- Location: Taco Kat (11 South Court Avenue)
- Charges:
- Sale/Delivery of Cocaine
- Possession of Cocaine
- Christian Rivera (DOB: 11/14/2000)
- Location: Monkey Bar (26 Wall Street)
- Charges:
- Sale/Delivery of Cocaine
- Possession of Cocaine
The operation also revealed approximately 150 AMS Permit violations across the same 23 establishments. Violations included the failure to conduct mandated weapons detection checks and inadequate ID scanning or visual inspections. Undercover officers were able to enter multiple venues with firearms undetected, highlighting serious lapses in security measures required by the AMS Permit.
The AMS Permit outlines safety protocols for businesses operating past midnight, such as the use of weapons detection systems and identification verification processes. Businesses found in violation will face a hearing, during which a decision will be made on the suspension or revocation of their permits.
The Orlando Police Department reaffirmed its commitment to public safety, stating that the operation was part of a broader effort to reduce crime and enhance safety in the city’s nightlife district. The investigation remains ongoing, and further arrests and actions may follow.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.