MCSO Announces Record Fentanyl Bust

BRADENTON — On Tuesday, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office announced that detectives from the Special Investigations Division arrested a local drug dealer and seized over $1.7 million worth of illegal drugs and weapons, including more than 12 kilos of fentanyl. It is the largest fentanyl bust in Manatee County history.

In November 2024, undercover detectives began investigating fentanyl sales at 910 6th Street West in Bradenton, which appeared to be operated by a group of dealers. After conducting an undercover drug purchase, detectives identified Maurice Baxter, 23, as one of the dealers.

MCSO says that further investigation confirmed that Baxter was part of a drug trafficking organization that was already being examined by other MCSO detectives, funded through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication program. Using these funds, the detectives continued to purchase fentanyl and later obtained a search warrant for the residence, along with an arrest warrant for Baxter.

On Thursday, Mar. 13, 2025, the MCSO SWAT Team executed the search warrant and quickly detained the only occupant, Tron Williams, 40. Baxter has yet to be located. During the search, detectives found a bedroom on the second floor belonging to Williams. Inside, they discovered the following narcotics:

• 12.3 kilograms of fentanyl (including liquid pharmaceutical-grade citrate)
• 1 kilogram of cocaine
• 1 kilogram of MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly)
• 273 grams of methamphetamine
• 822 grams of marijuana
• 29.4 grams of Adderall

"This is the most significant fentanyl seizure in Manatee County history, and our community and neighboring counties are safer because of it," said Sheriff Rick Wells.

The Drug Enforcement Administration estimates that 12 kilograms of fentanyl has the potential to kill 6 million people.

“The State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication program has proven since its inception to save countless lives in Florida,” said FDLE Fort Myers Special Agent in Charge Eli Lawson. “Today, FDLE and our partners at the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office can show our Southwest Florida community the proof that the funding and resources dedicated to the program are making a positive impact in keeping this poison off our streets.”

Detectives continue to investigate the case and have obtained warrants to compare DNA found on the narcotics packaging. The street value of the fentanyl seized is estimated at $1.4 million, contributing to a total narcotic value of $1.7 million from this operation.

Tron Williams has been charged with trafficking in fentanyl, trafficking in methamphetamine, trafficking in cocaine, and trafficking in MDMA. He is currently being held in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Additionally, detectives discovered multiple firearms, including an FN Five-seven handgun, nicknamed “the cop killer” because its ammunition can penetrate certain types of soft body armor. Over 1,000 rounds of various types of ammunition were found in Williams’ bedroom. A vehicle was also seized during the operation.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Maurice Baxter is urged to contact the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at (941) 747-3011. To remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward, contact Manatee County Crime Stoppers at (866) 634-TIPS or visit ManateeCrimeStoppers.com.