Escambia County, FL – Deputies arrested two suspects following early-morning search warrants that uncovered a large quantity of narcotics, weapons, and stolen items during a major drug operation in the county.
Authorities say 33-year-old Devante Lyons and 27-year-old Olivia Andersen were taken into custody Thursday and are now facing a long list of felony drug charges. Both are being held without bond in the Escambia County Jail.
Search Warrants Executed at Two Locations
Deputies carried out two coordinated search warrants around 5 a.m., according to Sheriff Chip Simmons, who shared details during a Thursday announcement.
The searches took place at:
- 194 Overlook Drive
- Motel 6 on Highway 29
Simmons noted through information shared by the Sheriff’s Office that deputies discovered an extensive amount of narcotics and stolen property spread between the two locations.
Large Quantity of Narcotics Recovered
The Sheriff’s Office reported recovering:
- Multiple stolen firearms
- Heroin
- Crack cocaine
- About 4,000 grams of fentanyl being mixed with mannitol
- Spice
- Cash and other drug-related materials
“The exact amounts were not immediately released,” Simmons said while noting the seriousness of the items seized.
Authorities believe the fentanyl mixture poses a significant threat due to its potency and potential for widespread harm.
Charges Against the Suspects
Both suspects face several major drug trafficking charges, including:
- Trafficking methamphetamine
- Trafficking in fentanyl
- Cocaine trafficking
- Heroin trafficking
- Methaqualone derivatives
- Possession of synthetic cannabinoid
- Weapon possession by a convicted felon
Investigators also charged Olivia Andersen with criminal attempt to solicit/conspire due to additional evidence found during the operation.
Ongoing Investigation
Sheriff Simmons emphasized that the investigation remains active as officials work to determine the total quantity of drugs seized and identify any additional suspects or connections.
Dangers of Drug Abuse
Incidents involving fentanyl and other synthetic narcotics highlight how dangerous these substances are to the community. Fentanyl, even in small amounts, continues to drive overdose cases nationwide, prompting law enforcement to target distribution networks aggressively.
Efforts to Combat Drug Trafficking
Local agencies in Escambia County continue strengthening surveillance, community reporting systems, and multi-location search operations to curb drug distribution. Officials encourage residents to report suspicious activity to help prevent similar incidents.
Stay Safe and Aware
Residents are urged to remain aware of drug-related dangers in their neighborhoods. Simple steps such as reporting unusual activity, keeping communication open with local authorities, and staying informed can play a major role in community safety.
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