JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Four people have been arrested following a months-long narcotics investigation at a convenience store on Moncrief Road where Jacksonville authorities say they seized fentanyl, crack cocaine, marijuana, a handgun and more than $3,000 in cash.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said its Narcotics Unit began investigating suspected drug activity at the Price Rite Food Store in January after receiving multiple complaints from people in the surrounding neighborhood about suspected drug deals and other suspicious activity.
Detectives spent much of the year investigating the complaints and identified people they believed were dealing drugs at the business. JSO said investigators also identified the store clerk as being involved in the suspected activity.
After obtaining a search warrant, detectives and other agencies served it at the Price Rite Food Store on Sept. 2.
According to JSO, investigators seized 1.8 grams of suspected fentanyl, 16.5 grams of crack cocaine, 6.6 grams of marijuana, a handgun and more than $3,000 in cash.
Authorities arrested four people during the investigation: Vanness Pryor, 51; Breon Rooker, 26; Tyqess Johnson, 34; and Walid Makhlouf, 58.
JSO did not specify in its announcement which of the four was the store clerk, identify the alleged role of each defendant or provide a breakdown of the individual charges filed against them.
The Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, the Fire Marshal and Code Enforcement participated in the operation. JSO said the agencies worked together to shut down the business.
The sheriff’s office credited tips from residents with helping initiate the investigation.
Anyone who wants to report suspected drug activity in Jacksonville can contact JSO at 904-630-0500 or email NarcTips@jaxsheriff.org.