BRADENTON, Fla. – The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office has announced an arrest in an undercover case lasting several months and seizing more than $1 million in drugs and weapons.

According to Sheriff Rick Wells, 12.3 kilograms of fentanyl was confiscated in the bust, which took place March 13 at a home in the 900 block of 6th Street West. 

The investigation began in November of last year.

What You Need To Know

  • Manatee County Sheriff’s Office has announced an arrest in an undercover case lasting several months and seizing more than $1 million in drugs and weapons

  • According to Sheriff Rick Wells, 12.3 kilograms of fentanyl was confiscated in the bust, which took place March 13 at a home in the 900 block of 6th Street West

  • Said Wells: “This is the most significant fentanyl seizure in Manatee County history."

“This is the most significant fentanyl seizure in Manatee County history,” Wells said. “And our community and neighboring counties are safer because of it.”

During the bust, investigators found:

- 12.3 kilograms of fentanyl

- 1 kilogram of cocaine

- 1 kilogram of MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly)

- 273 grams of methamphetamine

- 822 grams of marijuana

- 29.4 grams of Adderall

Authorities said Tron Williams, 40, was arrested and another man, 23-year-old Maurice Baxter was identified as another one of the dealers and is being sought.

Authorities said the street value of the fentanyl seized is estimated at $1.4 million, contributing to a total narcotic value of $1.7 million from this operation.

Williams has been charged with trafficking in fentanyl, trafficking in methamphetamine, trafficking in cocaine, and trafficking in MDMA. He is currently being held in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Additionally, detectives discovered multiple firearms and more than 1,000 rounds of various types of ammunition.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Maurice Baxter is asked to contact the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at (941) 747-3011.

To remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward, contact Manatee County Crime Stoppers at (866) 634-TIPS or visit ManateeCrimeStoppers.com.