Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

09/23/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/23/2024 07:23

Aided by Cutting-Edge Technology, Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement Makes Felony Arrest of Suspect with Stolen Vehicle, Drugs

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced that officers with the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE) arrested Santiago Diaz of Clearwater, Florida, on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges related to vehicle theft, trafficking of methamphetamine, and illegal possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia. This significant felony arrest was aided by OALE's use of innovative technology that provides real-time alerts of vehicles reported stolen, associated with missing persons, associated with active arrest warrants, and more.

"The swift actions of our Agricultural Law Enforcement officers and the use of cutting-edge technology were crucial in ensuring that this dangerous individual was removed from our roads and brought to justice," said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. "This is a prime example of how our Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement is dedicated to protecting Florida's communities and supporting local law enforcement through strategic partnerships and high-tech tools."

OALE officers received an alert indicating that a grey Toyota Camry, reported stolen out of Tampa earlier that day, had been detected. Officers immediately responded to the alert and positioned their vehicles on Interstate 75 near White Springs, Florida, to intercept the vehicle. Officers initiated a traffic stop and Diaz, the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, was apprehended without incident.

Subsequent verification by OALE officers confirmed that the vehicle, valued at $22,000, was stolen. During an inventory of the vehicle, officers discovered approximately 18 grams of methamphetamine, 6.1 grams of cannabis, three controlled substance pills, and various drug paraphernalia. Diaz was arrested and transported to the Hamilton County Jail on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges, including:

  • Vehicle Theft - F.S. 812.014.2C6, 3rd-degree felony
  • Trafficking Methamphetamine - F.S. 893.135.1F1, 1st-degree felony
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance - F.S. 893.13.6a, 3rd-degree felony
  • Possession of Cannabis (Less than 20 grams) - F.S. 893.13.6b, 1st-degree misdemeanor
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - F.S. 893.147.1, 1st-degree misdemeanor

The Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement conducts criminal investigations relating to any matter over which the department has jurisdiction, protects consumers from unfair and deceptive trade practices, protects Florida's agriculture industry from theft and other crimes, and safeguards the integrity of Florida's food and other consumer products. In support of its mission, the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement operates more than 20 agricultural interdiction stations around the state. Officers conduct vehicle inspections 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to protect Florida's food supply and prevent the introduction and spread of agricultural pests and diseases.

For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.

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