Detective Robert L. Garrison
Detective Robert Garrison is with the Narcotics Unit of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. He was named Police Officer of the Month for November for his efforts in breaking up a major drug ring. The particulars of the case are as follows:

In April 2003, Detective Garrison became aware of a drug ring during a series of hand-to-hand buys of Ecstasy at the former Evolutions night club. This led to arrests, and through good detective work, Detective Garrison identified the suppliers and worked his way up the ladder of a major drug organization supplying highly-potent marijuana and Ecstasy pills.

Due in large part to his efforts, on March 31, 2004, over 100 police and DEA officers served six (6) federal search warrants and 18 federal arrest warrants simultaneously. All targets were arrested. After this, Detective Garrison and his squad members continued to work their way up the ladder of the drug ring, leading to cells in other states and more arrests.

The investigation was concluded in April of 2005, with the following results:

• 35 federal indictments;
• Over 100,000 ecstasy pills, having a street value of $2,000,000
• Over 100 pounds of highly-potent marijuana, having a street value of $500,000
• 19 firearms (including assault rifles); and
• Cash, premium vehicles, jewelry, gold and silver bars, and electronics, having a value of over $1,000,000.

The investigation also led to a new operation called "California Roll", which involved more arrests and was highlighted on page 1 of The Times Union several weeks ago.

During this investigation, Detective Garrison worked many eighteen 18 hour days and went weeks, sometimes months, with no days off. Not only did he put his personal life on hold, he put his life at risk. The result was the dismantling of a major drug trafficking organization that supplied thousands of pounds of marijuana and hundreds of thousands of Ecstasy pills to the North Florida area.

Accordingly, because of his truly outstanding efforts, and for his excellent service to our community, we are proud to recognize Detective Garrison as Police Officer of the Month.

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