CAPE CORAL, FL – A major narcotics operation in Cape Coral led to the arrests of Julian James Garton-Miulli and Sean Matthew Balke, with detectives recovering hundreds of pounds of drugs, firearms, and cash in multiple raids. The Cape Coral Police Department’s Narcotics Unit worked for months to dismantle a local MDMA and THC distribution network.
Investigation into Julian James Garton-Miulli
On June 19, 2025, Cape Coral detectives received a tip regarding Julian James Garton-Miulli (DOB 08/10/1997) as a suspected distributor of MDMA and THC/Marijuana. Investigators determined that Garton-Miulli sold over 28 grams of MDMA from his residence.
By August 2025, he was confirmed to be engaged in trafficking MDMA, selling 22 grams during a controlled investigation.
Residential Search and Seizures
On October 1, 2025, detectives executed a warrant at Garton-Miulli’s residence at 540 SE 6th Place, recovering:
- Four handguns, AR pistol, rifle, two shotguns
- Over $5,600 in cash
- Six silver bars
- Multiple pills and controlled substances including MDMA, amphetamines, psilocybin mushrooms, marijuana, THC gummies, and vape pens
- Scale for weighing narcotics
Garton-Miulli was later stopped while driving a 2024 Kia Seltos and arrested.
Charges Against Garton-Miulli
- Trafficking MDMA (22 grams)
- Trafficking MDMA (over 28 grams)
- Possession of MDMA (9 grams)
- Possession of Amphetamine (0.9 grams)
- Possession of Marijuana (over 656 grams)
- Possession of Psilocybin Mushrooms (75 grams)
Garton-Miulli is currently held at Lee County Jail.
Second Warrant Leads to Major Drug Recovery
Further investigation led to a search at 2720 Beach Pkwy W, where detectives, with SWAT assistance, recovered:
- Cocaine: 457.8 grams
- MDMA: 1,028 grams
- Amphetamines/Meth: 1,091.5 grams combined
- Marijuana: 17 pounds + plants
- THC products: ~44 pounds (wax, oil, edibles, cartridges)
- Psilocybin Mushrooms: 3.3 pounds
- Firearms: Glock 19x and a shotgun
- Cash, drug paraphernalia, grow equipment, safe
Charges Against Sean Matthew Balke
- Ownership/possession for trafficking or manufacturing a controlled substance
- Trafficking in Cocaine (457.8 grams)
- Trafficking in Amphetamine (1,091.5 grams)
- Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell (17 pounds)
- Trafficking in Synthetic Cannabinoids (THC, 44 pounds)
- Possession of Psilocybin Mushrooms (3.3 pounds)
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (1st Degree Misdemeanor)
Balke is also in Lee County Jail awaiting trial.
Community Impact and Police Statement
Cape Coral Police Chief stated:
“This operation removed a significant amount of dangerous drugs and firearms from our streets. Our Narcotics Unit continues to investigate local distribution networks to ensure public safety.”
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the Cape Coral Police Department.
