BRADFORD COUNTY, Fla. – The Bradford County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team, Alachua County Narcotics Unit and the Gainesville Police Department SWAT team initiated an arrest operation in Alachua County Tuesday, according to police
Operation “Burning the Bushes” began last August after detectives with the Bradford County Drug Task Force learned of a cocaine and marijuana drug trafficking organization within the county.
Recommended Videos
The organization was distributing trafficking amounts of cocaine to mid-level suppliers, according to police. The mid-level suppliers would then cook the powder cocaine into crack for sale on the streets.
During the raid, detectives seized approximately 14 ounces of cocaine, 867 grams of marijuana, 17 grams of ecstasy, a 9mm handgun and $18,000.00 in cash. Several vehicles that were utilized in the trafficking and distribution of cocaine are currently pending seizure.
The heads of the organization were identified as George Lekreshian Bennett, Willis Antino Hankerson and Lance Quenton Hankerson, police said. Although all three men were originally residents of Bradford County, George Bennett, moved to Alachua County attempting to hide from authorities.
Brothers Willis and Lance Hankerson currently live in northwest Bradford County. During the investigation; Willis, Lance and their associates in the cocaine trade called their home and distribution point of cocaine “the bushes,” according to deputies.
Surveillance operations confirmed that the three men were the main suppliers of cocaine into Bradford County, police said. Numerous associates and cocaine dealers of the organization have been identified and arrest warrants have been obtained those involved with the organization.
George Bennett and Lance Hankerson were arrested in Gainesville while the two were exchanging a large amount of cocaine, police said. Immediately following their arrests, three residential search warrants were served, one in Alachua and two in Bradford County, police said.
According to deputies, Willis Hankerson is still at large and is currently being sought by law enforcement.
Arrest warrants have been issued for the following persons involved in the organization: George Bennett, Willis Hankerson, Lance Hankerson, Jarvis Davis, Demetrice Hankerson, Cecil Woods Jr., Parviele Lee, Joshua McClellan, Joseph Edwards, Carlous Grissett, Bernard Beard, Todd Hankerson and Tray Hankerson.
Deputies said the investigation is continuing with the possibility of more suspects being identified and charged.