JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A months-long narcotics investigation in Jacksonville’s Arlington area led to the dismantling of a drug operation, the arrest of 14 people and the seizure of fentanyl and several other illegal drugs, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO).
The investigation began in March 2026, when JSO Street Level Narcotics detectives started examining suspected drug activity near the Arlington Expressway.
Detectives identified Somario Atkins, 40, as a primary drug supplier operating from an apartment complex in the area.
As the investigation progressed, detectives identified 13 other suspected drug dealers whose activities were connected to Atkins, according to JSO.
On Wednesday, September 2, Street Level Narcotics detectives carried out an enforcement operation that resulted in the arrests of Atkins and two other men, Maurice Nobles, 50, and Christopher Harden, 24.
During the operation, investigators seized several types of illegal drugs, including 42 grams of fentanyl, which JSO estimated represented more than 21,000 potentially lethal doses.
Drugs Seized During Arlington Investigation
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, detectives recovered:
- 42 grams of fentanyl, estimated at more than 21,000 potentially lethal doses
- 50.3 grams of crack cocaine
- 11 grams of MDMA
- 4.3 grams of powder cocaine
- 1.2 grams of methamphetamine
- 183.4 grams of marijuana
Additional Suspects Arrested
Following the September 2 operation, investigators made additional arrests connected to the suspected drug distribution network.
JSO identified the following individuals:
- Vernon Arnold, 41
- Darnell Bridges, 40
- Evabda Chaney, 34
- Kevin Collins, 36
- Freddie Goodwin, 42
- Darius Wimbley, 35
- Selena Collins, 50
- Derek Anderson, 47
- Rufus Wilcher, 41
- Aaron Lucas, 44
- Ladarrisus Hart, 30
The sheriff’s office reported 14 arrests in total, although its announcement named 14 individuals overall and described 11 subsequent arrests rather than nine.
JSO credited its Street Level Narcotics detectives and District 2 Patrol officers with shutting down the operation.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information about drug activity in Jacksonville is encouraged to contact JSO narcotics detectives at NarcTips@jaxsheriff.org or call the department’s non-emergency number at 904-630-0500.