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Meth, heroin, cocaine, guns seized during Lake County drug raids

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Six people were arrested after search warrants were executed by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies on Friday announced the arrests during raids at the homes in Eustis and Groveland.

During the searches, investigators said they found methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

"Our undercover drug deputies have been very busy this week. They hit locations in a matter of just three days," said John Herrell with the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

Kendra M. Williams, 24; Shannon L. Puckelwartz, 43; William D. Insco, 39; Troy E. Fechtler, 32; and Joseph C. Williams, 30, were arrested in Eustis.

Deputies searched a home Thursday in the 700 block of Parkwood Street in Groveland and said they seized 6 ounces of cocaine, more than 500 Ecstasy pills, 2 pounds of marijuana, two handguns -- one of which was stolen from a Citrus County Sheriff's Office patrol vehicle -- two AR-15 rifles, both with fully loaded 30-round magazines, and more than $7,000.

Perry G. Garrett III was arrested at the Groveland home. Deputies said he is a high-level narcotics dealer. The alleged drug house was less than 1,000 feet from Groveland Elementary, investigators said.

Garrett, a felon, was on inmate release for the sale of cocaine and has an extensive criminal history, deputies said.

Garrett is charged with trafficking in cocaine over 200 grams within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of marijuana greater than 20 grams with intent to sell/distribute within 1,000 feet of a school, trafficking in Ecstasy pills within 1,000 feet of a school, four counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, grand theft of a firearm from a law enforcement vehicle, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond is $441,000.

A man claiming to be Garrett's father told Channel 9's Myrt Price his son is innocent: "Well they (deputies) told a lie. (There) ain't no guns and drugs in here. They found guns and drugs in a car out there somewhere."

The arrests followed a message sent earlier this week by the Lake County sheriff about his plan to "hunt down" drug dealers.

"He meant what he said. He (the sheriff) took a very public stance and tough stance against drugs, and that's something he's going to continue to do and there's more to come," said Herrell.