11 arrested in Sarasota drug sting operation

SARASOTA - Eleven men are in federal custody after authorities clamped down on a regional drug ring and seized cocaine, automatic weapons and cash.

During a 2-year sting dubbed “Operation SRQ Cartel,” officials seized more than $1 million in cash and property.

They also targeted one of the region's most notorious cocaine dealers, Jesus Guzman, who authorities say ran cocaine operations in Manatee and Sarasota counties. The last arrests came last week.

Guzman had avoided prosecution for nearly seven years, even though he had been sought on federal warrants. Now in custody, authorities say his drug ring is crippled.

Investigators say that since the break-up of the cartel, the price of cocaine has skyrocketed in Sarasota County. Where a kilogram once cost $18,000, it is now so scarce that the same amount costs $30,000.