PENSACOLA, Fla. – Northwest Florida officials have arrested 15 individuals accused of operating within a large-scale drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA and other narcotics across the region. The arrests follow a months-long investigation supported by Florida’s S.A.F.E. program.
Introduction
Florida law enforcement says the operation marks one of the region’s largest coordinated drug takedowns in recent years. Officials report that undercover operations, surveillance and the serving of multiple search warrants led to the dismantling of a trafficking network allegedly overseen by Michael Perry Robinson, 43, of Pensacola.
The probe resulted in major drug seizures and a lengthy list of felony charges spanning trafficking, racketeering and money laundering.
Investigation Overview
FDLE revealed that the investigation began in April 2025, when agents identified a drug trafficking group operating in Northwest Florida. According to the agency, evidence showed the network was moving significant quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other dangerous narcotics throughout the region.
A source report published through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) detailed the actions of investigators as they traced supplies, monitored communication patterns and executed undercover buys.
During the public announcement, FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said:
“Florida has drawn a hard, unmistakable line against fentanyl in our neighborhoods… If you bring deadly drugs into Florida, you will be found, you will be arrested, and you will go to prison.”
The investigation was supported by funding from the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (S.A.F.E.) grant program.
Timeline of Operation Nottingham
Last week, authorities launched Operation Nottingham, a coordinated multi-agency effort that involved teams from Pensacola, Tallahassee and Jacksonville. In total, officials served 22 search warrants across multiple counties.
Additional support came from:
- Drug Enforcement Administration
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Homeland Security Investigations
- U.S. Marshals Service
- U.S. Postal Inspection Service
- Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement
- Florida Highway Patrol
- Multiple county sheriff’s offices and police departments
The combined effort allowed investigators to seize large drug quantities and arrest multiple suspects in a short timeframe.
Drugs, Weapons and Cash Seized
FDLE confirmed that agents seized:
- 14.6 pounds of fentanyl
- 58 pounds of methamphetamine
- 35 pounds of marijuana
- 23 pounds of MDMA
- 2.5 pounds of cocaine
- 30 firearms
- More than $60,800 in cash
Officials emphasized that the quantity of fentanyl alone was enough to cause mass fatalities, underscoring the urgency of the operation.
Arrests and Key Charges
Authorities reported arrests made on Nov. 19 and Nov. 20, identifying 15 suspects, most of them from Pensacola. Many face severe felony charges including racketeering, trafficking fentanyl, and money laundering.
Some of the key arrests include:
- Michael Perry Robinson, 43, Pensacola — charged with racketeering, trafficking fentanyl, trafficking methamphetamine, trafficking cocaine, money laundering, and more.
- Gretchen Suzanne Duplechain, 46, Pensacola — racketeering, trafficking fentanyl, and money laundering.
- John Christopher Porterfield, 65, Pensacola — trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine.
- Courtney Donnell Killette, 40, Pensacola — racketeering and trafficking fentanyl.
- Anthony James Saulsberry, 43, Pensacola — racketeering and operating a drug house.
- Donterious Marquis Evans, 37, Pensacola — racketeering and trafficking fentanyl.
- Billy Dewayne Johnson, 39, Pensacola — racketeering and trafficking fentanyl.
- Ivory Ambrose Fogan, 37, Pensacola — racketeering and conspiracy to traffic fentanyl.
Several additional defendants are facing conspiracy charges for cocaine and marijuana distribution. Officials noted that more arrests may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
Why Fentanyl Trafficking Is a Public Safety Crisis
Fentanyl remains a major threat in Florida. Just a few milligrams can be lethal, and law enforcement consistently warns that traffickers often mix fentanyl into other drugs without user awareness.
Public safety experts highlight that fentanyl-related deaths have surged nationwide, making major seizures like these crucial for preventing accidental overdoses. Authorities urge residents to report suspicious activity and to remain aware of the dangers associated with counterfeit pills and street-purchased narcotics.
Broader Impact on Northwest Florida
Local agencies say removing 30 illegal firearms and a large narcotics supply will have a substantial effect on community safety. Multi-agency collaborations like Operation Nottingham are expected to continue as part of the state’s broader strategy to reduce drug violence and trafficking.
Officials also emphasized that major drug operations rely on communication networks, stash houses and transportation routes across county lines—meaning community vigilance plays a key role in dismantling such organizations.
Conclusion
With 15 arrests and significant narcotics seized, Florida law enforcement says Operation Nottingham is a major step toward curbing fentanyl distribution in Northwest Florida. Investigators continue to follow new leads, and agencies warn that additional arrests are possible.
Have you seen similar drug-related issues in your community? Share your experiences in the comments below.
