POLK COUNTY, Fla. — More than 60 people have been arrested after a three-year investigation into fentanyl traffic, authorities said Friday.

The effort started in 2021 and involved the Polk County Sheriff's Office, The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Attorney General's Office.

According to a news release, detectives from the PCSO and special agents from FDLE "conducted multiple undercover purchases of fentanyl from a drug trafficking organization which used the Rooske Bait and Tackle Shop (6908 US 982 N, Lakeland) and Rooske Motorcycle Parts & Accessories (6916 US 98 N, Lakeland) for drug trafficking and money laundering."

The leader of the organization was identified as 43-year old Hector Baez Torres of Lakeland. His wife and daughter were identified as co-conspirators.

Fentanyl, cocaine, meth, oxycodone and marijuana were seized. Authorities said the street value of the drugs was more than $475,000.

"In essence, this fentanyl trafficking organization was the family business," said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. 

"The motorcycle shop and the bait shop were corrupt businesses that were used as a means for money laundering. Their customers weren't involved. They had no idea what was going on. In fact, the owners tried to project a wholesome facade while conducting their criminal enterprise behind the scenes until it all came crashing down on them, thanks to the fantastic work by our detectives."

You can watch the full news conference where the arrests were announced below. To view names and photos of the suspects, click here.