The large police activity in a Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres neighborhoods early Friday morning was due to an investigation into a large-scale cocaine distribution ring stemming from Puerto Rico to Lee County, Lee County Sheriff authorities say.
Detectives say the investigation began when a routine K9 sniff by interdiction dogs identified a shipment of drugs destined for Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres.
U.S. Postal Inspectors were able to secure search warrants for the parcels and a coordinated operation involving the U.S. Postal Service, Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Department of Homeland Security led to the identification of a potential suspect.
Joint search warrants were served at two separate residences; 623 SW 23rd Terrace, Cape Coral and 2804 20th Street SW, Lehigh Acres.
As a result of these search warrants, investigators say more than eleven 11 pounds of powder cocaine was seized with a conservative street value of $250,000.
LCSO Detectives say a handgun was also recovered at the Cape Coral residence along with evidence of drug packaging, weighing and distribution. Nearly $14,500 in drug proceeds was also seized for forfeiture.
Authorities say Francisco Manuel Velez Melendez of 623 SW 23rd Terrace, Cape Coral, was importing the cocaine from Puerto Rico for distribution throughout Lee County.
Additionally, another suspect, Alfredo Perez of 2804 SW 40th Street, Lehigh Acres, was assisting Melendez in receiving cocaine from Puerto Rico at the Lehigh Acres address, LCSO investigators say.
Melendez is charged with trafficking in Cocaine over 200 grams; Possession of a Firearm by a convicted felon and Possession of drug paraphernalia.
Perez is charged with trafficking in Cocaine over 500 grams.