Hendry County, Fla. – A 33-year-old man has been convicted in a major cocaine trafficking case tied to Florida’s first NETFORCE operation, part of a sweeping effort to dismantle organized drug crime across the state.
Jury Conviction in Hendry County
On Wednesday night, a jury found Keenan Dennard Frederick, 33, guilty of conspiracy to traffic 400 grams or more of cocaine, according to the State Attorney’s Office.
The conviction marks another step forward in a broader multi-agency investigation that prosecutors say has targeted drug trafficking, racketeering, and money laundering networks operating across Florida.
Operation Block Party: The NETFORCE Initiative
Frederick’s case stems from Operation Block Party, the first major investigation under NETFORCE (New Era Task Force on Organized Crime). The initiative was designed to disrupt large-scale criminal enterprises fueling the state’s narcotics trade.
Officials said Frederick acted as a cocaine supplier on Florida’s East Coast, providing two kilos of cocaine to a co-defendant. The drugs were later transported to Southwest Florida, where law enforcement intercepted them as part of the operation.
Prosecutors’ Case Against Frederick
Prosecutors argued that Frederick knowingly participated in the supply chain that funneled cocaine into Hendry County and surrounding areas. His conviction represents a key win for state and local agencies, who have emphasized cooperation between jurisdictions as vital to tackling drug networks.
Sentencing Ahead
Frederick now awaits sentencing, scheduled for Oct. 22, 2025. Under Florida law, conspiracy to traffic 400 grams or more of cocaine carries the potential for severe prison penalties.
Community and Law Enforcement Impact
Law enforcement officials praised the conviction as evidence of progress in combatting organized crime. They noted that multi-agency task forces like NETFORCE are critical in identifying and prosecuting high-level suppliers, not just low-level distributors.
Conclusion
The guilty verdict against Keenan Dennard Frederick underscores the reach of Operation Block Party and Florida’s ongoing commitment to tackling organized drug crime. With sentencing set for October, prosecutors say the case highlights both the dangers of cocaine trafficking and the value of coordinated law enforcement action.
What do you think of multi-agency crackdowns like NETFORCE? Do they go far enough in addressing organized crime in Florida? Share your views in the comments below.
