INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office Multi-Agency Criminal Enforcement (M.A.C.E.) Unit arrested four people in the 700 block of 19th Place on drug charges, according to authorities.
Bernard Thomas Jr., 24, Eva Castellanos,19, Daylin Perez, 19, and Cady Kepler III, 27, all of Vero Beach, were arrested in the evening hours Friday, according to a press release.
Thomas faces charges of sale of a controlled substance (Oxycodone), trafficking in a controlled substance (Oxycodone), possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.
Castellanos faces a charge of possession of cocaine, while Perez faces a charge of possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana and tampering with or destroying evidence.
Palmer faces charges of possession of a controlled substance (Oxycodone) and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Detectives believe Thomas had been supplying illegal narcotics in the Vero Beach area for some time, according to authorities.
As a result of the search warrant, more than $16,000 in drug money was located and seized along with 87 Oxycodone pills, more than 10 grams of crack cocaine, two grams of powder cocaine, digital scales and drug paraphernalia, and two older model vehicles, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
“After we executed the search warrant, numerous citizens that reside in the apartment complex thanked our detectives for shutting down Thomas’ drug operation,” said Detective Sergeant Anthony Civita.
“Our M.A.C.E. Unit continues to eradicate these home grown narcotics networks through their relentless work each day,” said Indian River County Sheriff Deryl Loar. “Others operating illegal narcotics operations in Indian River County should take note. We will come get you and we will seize your drug money and the vehicles you use.”
Anyone with more information about the activities of Thomas’s or other’s drug activity within Indian River County are encouraged to contact Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-TIPS. You can remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.