Disabled car on interstate leads to drug bust in Volusia County

Sep 23, 2024 at 5:55 PM

Uncovering a Stash: Volusia Sheriff's Office Seizes Massive Drug Haul

In a startling turn of events, the Volusia Sheriff's Office in Florida has uncovered a significant drug operation, leading to the recovery of a substantial quantity of illicit substances and the arrest of multiple individuals. The incident, which unfolded on the side of Interstate 4, has shed light on the ongoing battle against the scourge of drug trafficking in the region.

Exposing a Dangerous Trove: Volusia Sheriff's Office Cracks Down on Drug Kingpins

Disabled Car Leads to Shocking Discovery

The Volusia Sheriff's Office was called to the side of westbound I-4, mile marker 107, to respond to a report of a disabled car. Upon arrival, deputies encountered the passenger, Carey Thomas Crownover, 30, from DeLand, who was reportedly kicking the windshield of the vehicle. As the deputies attempted to take Crownover into custody, he became combative, kicking one of the officers and engaging in a struggle.

The initial encounter quickly escalated, and the deputies' search of the vehicle led to a startling discovery. Investigators uncovered a substantial quantity of illicit substances, including 1,426 grams of MDMA, 1,016 grams of amphetamine, and 4 grams of ketamine with cannabis. This haul alone was a significant blow to the local drug trade, highlighting the extent of the problem and the determination of the law enforcement officials to combat it.

Uncovering a Sprawling Drug Network

The investigation did not end there. Armed with a search warrant, detectives raided Crownover's home in DeLand, where they uncovered an even more extensive cache of drugs. The seizure included 2,516 grams of MDMA, 363 grams of cocaine, 1,000 grams of psilocybin, 510 grams of amphetamine, along with alprazolam, 2C, LSD, and cannabis.

The sheer volume of the seized substances underscores the scale of the drug operation that the Volusia Sheriff's Office had uncovered. The discovery of 11 firearms, one of which was reported stolen in Lake County, further emphasizes the dangerous and well-equipped nature of the criminal enterprise. The arrest of Crownover and his father, Carey David Crownover, who was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, has dealt a significant blow to the organization.

Ongoing Investigations and Potential Implications

The Volusia Sheriff's Office has stated that additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues. The car driver, who was also arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, is likely to face further scrutiny as the authorities delve deeper into the case.

The seizure of such a vast quantity of illicit drugs and the arrest of multiple individuals involved in the operation have far-reaching implications. The disruption of this drug network could have a significant impact on the local drug trade, potentially leading to a decrease in the availability and distribution of these dangerous substances. However, the battle against drug trafficking is an ongoing one, and the Volusia Sheriff's Office remains vigilant in its efforts to keep the community safe.