Major Drug and Gun Bust in Duval County Leads to Two Arrests

On November 22nd, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant, leading to a significant seizure of drugs, firearms, and cash in the Norwood neighborhood. The operation, which followed a citizen’s complaint received in late July, resulted in the arrest of two convicted felons, Edward and Larry Mathis.

JSO Lieutenant Nassim Mana, of the Narcotics Unit, emphasized the importance of public involvement in combating crime: “We have a good-sized narcotics unit, and we take every complaint seriously. We typically get an average, from a variety of sources, anywhere from 15 to 20 a day. This complaint came in through a citizen’s complaint in late July. With this particular case, they worked it, and they came into a search warrant that was served on November 22nd.”

The firearms recovered in the operation were stolen from unlocked vehicles, highlighting the need for increased awareness of vehicle security.

Narcotics Seized:

Fentanyl: 237.5g (possible of 118,000 lethal doses)
Methamphetamine: 40.9g
Marijuana: 11.69 lbs
Mushrooms: 12.8g
Ecstasy: 4.7g
Powder Cocaine: 4.3g

Firearms Seized:

Taurus GS2 9mm (Reported Stolen)
US Accuracy USA 50 Cal
Smith & Wesson 36568 38 Special
Keltec PF9 9mm (Reported Stolen)
Ruger LCP 380
Glock 20 10mm
Micro Draco 7.62mm
Sig Sauer 1911 45 Cal
Romarm/Cugir Draco 7.62mm

Other Seized Items:

Cash: $3,001
Jewelry: $60,000
Vehicle: 2022 Buick Envision

Suspects and Charges:

Edward Mathis (04/08/1988):
- Trafficking in Fentanyl
- Trafficking in Methamphetamine
- Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
- Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell
- Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell
- Rent/Own Structure for the Sale of Narcotics
- Possession of Paraphernalia
Larry Mathis (08/29/1984):
- Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
- Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell
- Rent/Own Structure for the Sale of Narcotics
- Possession of Paraphernalia

Anyone with information on criminal activity is encouraged to report it to JSO through JSPCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org or 904-630-0500. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to First Coast Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS (8477).