Lee County, FL – Drug Bust: 3 Arrested in Tramadol Smuggling Case; Thousands of Pain Pills Seized

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Pills pour out of a prescription medication bottle that rests on a table and is framed by two out of focus pill bottles.
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Bonita Springs, FL – Three men were arrested Friday in Lee County after narcotics detectives uncovered what authorities described as a large-scale pain pill trafficking operation involving shipments from outside the United States.

According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), narcotics detectives worked alongside the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to track thousands of tramadol pills allegedly being shipped from Guatemala into Lee County.

Investigators learned that a package containing approximately 2,000 tramadol pills was scheduled for delivery to a residence in the 27000 block of Dorth Avenue in Bonita Springs, located in southern Lee County near the Naples metropolitan area. Authorities say the package was picked up by Gabriel Aguilar.

Following the delivery, LCSO Tactical Narcotics detectives executed a search warrant at the residence. During the search, detectives allegedly located thousands of additional pills believed to be from previous deliveries.

According to deputies, Juan Gomez was found inside the home, along with Gabriel Sombrano, who investigators say was hiding. Aguilar was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell. Sombrano was charged with obstruction without violence.

With assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), authorities determined that all three men were in the United States illegally, according to LCSO. Investigators also stated that Sombrano had previously been deported twice.

Sheriff Carmine Marceno emphasized the importance of interagency cooperation in the investigation.

“Drug trafficking doesn’t stop at our borders, and neither do we. This case shows the importance of strong partnerships at every level of law enforcement to keep our community safe,” Marceno said.

The investigation remains ongoing. No additional arrests have been announced as of Friday.


This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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