Busted-up drug operation one of biggest in LCSO history, Marceno says

Reporter: Andryanna Sheppard Writer: Derrick Shaw
Published: Updated:
Detectives conducted a large-scale drug bust in May at a Gateway home that led to multiple arrests, as well as the confiscation of multiple kilos of cocaine, fentanyl, and millions of dollars in cash and assets. (Credit: WINK News)

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday announced they took down one of the largest drug trafficking operations in its history after a months-long investigation.

Sheriff Carmine Marceno said the operation was run by the Cossio family of 170 Avalon Lake Circle in Gateway. Investigators conducted surveillance on the Cossio residence, conducted traffic stops and served several search warrants as a result of the investigation.

Investigators on Wednesday were seen at CLB Autobody & Paint at 4170 Evans Avenue in Fort Myers, which Marceno said was connected to the operation.

“I’ve always felt super safe,” Choe Kent said. “I never would have imagined anything like that would have been happening around here.”

More than $1 million in cash, 12 firearms and multiple kilograms of cocaine and fentanyl were seized, as were several high-end vehicles Marceno said were bought with proceeds of the operation.

“It’s just overwhelming to think that stuff like this can happen right next to you,” Kent said. “I mean, I literally walk, have walked around every street of this neighborhood. I’ve walked right by it, so it’s weird to think about.”

Kent says her neighborhood is extremely family friendly. She never would have guessed a family of six in her community would have long rap sheets and now accused of something like this.

The suspects have more than 70 combined prior arrests, mostly related to drugs, Marceno said.

Arrested were:

Gabriel M. Cossio, 60
Gabriel M. Cossio Jr., 32
Melissa Cossio, 33
Jesus F. Cossio, 58
Aaron Pruitt, 52
Christopher Ramirez, 53

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In court Thursday morning, the prosecution called the entire family a flight risk.

The sheriff’s office said the investigation into this operation is still very much active.

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