Orange County, FL – A joint operation between Orange County Sheriff’s deputies and Winter Park Police led to a major narcotics arrest this week after a man allegedly fled multiple times before being caught with large quantities of illegal drugs.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, deputies attempted to stop the suspect, identified as Richard Joy, who had previously fled from Winter Park Police on two occasions. After another attempt to evade law enforcement, deputies initiated a criminal investigation that resulted in his arrest Wednesday night.
When taken into custody, Joy was allegedly found with 1.76 kilograms of cocaine, 41 grams of crack cocaine, 15 grams of methamphetamine (MDMA), and 34 grams of cannabis. Deputies said the drugs were seized during the arrest, and Joy now faces multiple felony charges, including trafficking in cocaine and methamphetamines, and possession with intent to sell or deliver.
Authorities noted that the cocaine quantity alone carries a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years under Florida law.
Law enforcement officials praised the teamwork between agencies for removing what they described as a “massive amount” of drugs from local streets.
“This operation reflects the dedication of our deputies and Winter Park Police officers in keeping our communities safe,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
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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