Palatka, FDLE bust cocaine distribution ring

PALATKA, Fla. – Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Tri-County Narcotics Task Force and the Palatka Police Department served search and arrest warrants last Friday that broke up an organization that authorities believe was responsible for the distribution of large quantities of cocaine in Palatka.

Eleven people were arrested and two others are still sought in what law enforcement called "Operation 8th Street." According to the Palatka Police Department, members of the organization had extensive criminal histories, most facing violent crime and firearm-related charges.

Those arrested:

• Dytwon Jones, 20, charged with sale of cocaine
• Anthony Seymour II, 22, charged with sale of cocaine
• Johnbrooks Smith, 30, charged with sale of cocaine
• Jacquet Kaymore, 24, charged with sale of cocaine
• Eric Young, 17, charged with sale of cocaine
• Tavarence Clark, 37, charged with sale of cocaine
• Edwin Brown, 32, charged with sale of cocaine (currently in the Alachua County Jail on drug charges unrelated to the investigation)
• Ronald Young Jr., 23, charged with sale of cocaine
  
• Joseph Jackson, 26, charged with sale of cocaine

Two people are still being sought on warrants relating to the investigaiton:

• Darrell Maxwell, 25, charged with armed trafficking
• Tony Hightower, 23, charged with sale of cocaine