Attorney General James Uthmeier has announced the conviction of Franklin Guillen Lara, a member of the SUR-13 gang linked to the Mexican Mafia. Lara was found guilty by a Hendry County jury on charges including trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as conspiracy to traffic these substances. He faces up to 120 years in prison.
“The conviction we announced today has a criminal alien facing between 25 and 120 years in prison for his involvement in a gang that pushed fentanyl into Florida communities,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Thanks to the coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement, another dangerous gang member is off the streets and behind bars with the other 24 defendants in this case.”
The convictions are part of Operation 13 Tiers, an investigation that began in 2022 involving multiple agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Hendry County Sheriff’s Office, and the Office of Statewide Prosecution. The operation targeted members of SUR-13 who were running a drug trafficking organization from inside Florida prisons.
“Bringing all 25 members of this criminal network to justice took years of relentless investigative work and unwavering partnership,” said FDLE Special Agent in Charge Eli Lawson. “FDLE is proud to stand with the Office of Statewide Prosecution in ensuring that every individual responsible for flooding our communities with deadly fentanyl is held accountable. We are grateful for Governor DeSantis’ leadership in providing law enforcement with the tools and support of the SAFE program, which strengthens our ability to protect Florida communities from this poison.”
“This case demonstrates the commitment of Homeland Security Investigations to collaborate with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to dismantle violent criminal organizations that threaten the safety of our communities,” said John Yancey, HSI Resident Agent in Charge in Ft. Myers. “HSI Tampa will continue to pursue those who traffic dangerous drugs and engage in gang activity, regardless of where they operate. Our message is clear: we will not tolerate criminal enterprises that endanger lives in Florida.”
Investigators found that incarcerated leaders used contraband cellphones to coordinate drug operations across several prisons throughout Brevard, Charlotte, Holmes, and Miami-Dade counties. The organization also worked at times with other gangs such as MS-13 and Latin Kings. Authorities seized significant quantities during their investigation: more than 50 pounds of fentanyl, 380 pounds of methamphetamines, about five pounds of cocaine, one pound each of oxycodone and black tar heroin, and half a pound of morphine.
A total of 25 individuals were charged with felony counts ranging from racketeering to conspiracy to commit murder within a detention facility for furthering gang interests.
The investigation revealed specific roles among those charged; for example, Lara delivered two ounces each of methamphetamine and fentanyl during a transaction with an undercover informant. Another defendant operated a stash house used by gangs for storing drugs and firearms.
On January 30, Valentin Gomez pleaded guilty to armed trafficking charges involving amphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine—offenses classified as life felonies.
Efren Berumen was arrested on February 7 as the final defendant sought during Operation 13 Tiers.
Sentencing dates have been set: Gomez will be sentenced on March 3 while Lara’s sentencing is scheduled for March 9.
The Florida State Executive Attorney General’s office works statewide offering programs aimed at community safety—including resources for seniors and military members—and focuses on consumer protection through education against fraud according to its official website https://www.myfloridalegal.com/. The office also collaborates closely with law enforcement agencies via initiatives like Back the Blue Campaign https://www.myfloridalegal.com/.
