Investigators bust major heroin operation in Volusia County

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Investigators busted a major heroin ring in Volusia County Thursday.

A number of agencies, including the Volusia Bureau of Investigation and federal agencies have made 20 arrests as part of what they described as a raid on a large-scale drug ring that has been distributing heroin in Volusia County.

Investigators said agents served warrants at eight residences and one business in Deltona, Orange City and New Smyrna Beach.

The so-called ‘Operation Blue Magic’ started after a member of the Sheriff’s Office Deltona drug unit received a tip about drug activity at a home on Boxelder Street.

Agents found 122 bags of heroin in a car they pulled over as it was leaving the house.

Investigators believe the drug ring was moving between one and two kilos of heroin every month.

“I’m not going to lie, it kind of creeps me out because I (have) two young kids, so it doesn’t make me too happy. But there’s nothing I can do about it,” said one resident, who was not identified.

Agents were in and out of what witnesses described as a woodworking shop.

The owner of the building said the tenant was making cabinets and always paid his rent on time.

Workers at the neighboring businesses said they never suspected any drug activity.

“It’s just unreal. This is a nice area. Stuff like this is just taking over,” said resident Wes Daun.

The alleged ringleader, Jose Antonio Cruz, 37, is facing numerous charges and his bond was set at $190,000.

Agents said some of the heroin came from a supplier in Orlando and some was smuggles into the United States from Puerto Rico.

WFTV