VENICE, FL – A multi-agency operation conducted at Hotel Venezia during a three-day electronic dance music festival has resulted in the arrest of six individuals on 17 drug charges.
The operation, which took place on Friday, August 1, was led by the Venice Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit in coordination with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the North Port Police Department. It was initiated in response to intelligence regarding drug use and criminal activity at the “Season 4” festival.
Undercover officers observed narcotics transactions and open-air drug use inside and around the hotel, located at 425 U.S. 41 Bypass North. The operation led to the seizure of various narcotics, including:
- MDMA: 18.5 grams
- Cocaine: 26.7 grams
- Psilocybin mushrooms: 5.1 grams
- Ketamine: 6 grams
- LSD: 0.2 grams
The following individuals from Southwest Florida were arrested:
- Kosmia G. Bassil, 26, of Safety Harbor, charged with Sale of MDMA.
- Alexa A. Cicolini, 29, of Orlando, charged with Possession of cocaine, ketamine, psilocybin, and MDMA with intent to sell.
- Richard A. Martin, 33, of Clearwater, charged with Sale of MDMA and Possession of cocaine.
- Joseph A. Matz, 28, of Orlando, charged with Sale of cocaine and Possession of MDMA.
- Joseph M. Smith, 33, of Venice, charged with Possession of cocaine, ketamine, psilocybin, and MDMA with intent to sell.
- Kenneth B. Gibbs, 29, of Orlando, charged with Sale of MDMA and Possession of cocaine and MDMA.
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