Search
Close this search box.

Search warrant leads to 13 arrests by Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office

In a video interview on Friday, January 27, 2023, Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden announced the results of a recent bust on 9th Avenue in Shalimar, Florida. According to Sheriff Aden, this bust is the latest in a series of efforts to combat the ongoing problem of drug use, narcotic activity, and drug sales in the […]

Image of Okaloosa Sheriff Eric Aden superimposed on screenshot showing arrest of individuals at Shalimar residence (OCSO)

In a video interview on Friday, January 27, 2023, Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden announced the results of a recent bust on 9th Avenue in Shalimar, Florida. According to Sheriff Aden, this bust is the latest in a series of efforts to combat the ongoing problem of drug use, narcotic activity, and drug sales in the area.

The bust took place at a homestead property at 34 9th Avenue that has been the source of multiple overdoses, drug-related deaths, and complaints from residents and developers in the community. Just a week before the bust, two more overdoses were reported on the property. In response, the Sheriff’s Office conducted another search warrant and took 13 people into custody.

Screenshot via OCSO video

Sheriff Aden expressed frustration with the situation, saying, “It’s a problem for the good law-abiding citizens that live in this community. It’s a problem for the developers that are trying to sell homes in this community. It’s a problem for our county commissioners that received multiple calls and complaints on this specific residence.” 

  • He added that the homestead property has created a significant problem for law enforcement, as there are certain rights that homestead owners have in the unincorporated community of Okaloosa County. Despite these challenges, Sheriff Aden stated that his office will do everything in its power to close down the property and put an end to the ongoing drug activity.
Screenshot via OCSO video

The conditions at the property were described by Sheriff Aden as “deplorable,” with no running water, electricity, or food. The property was also infested with roaches and other pests, which prompted officers to wear gas masks during the last search warrant. Sheriff Aden also expressed concern for the elderly woman who lived on the property, who was a victim of elderly abuse and was taken into custody along with others charged with abuse.

Sheriff Aden stated that the Sheriff’s Office will continue to work with the county to try and close down the property through nuisance abatement and will charge those arrested with every crime possible. 

Screenshot via OCSO video

“We gotta do something,” he said. “We will continue until every last one of them is in jail or away from this property.”

9 Responses

  1. I hope that this house is dozed to the ground, the elderly woman is treated with respect and care and our community is safer for those who live here in Shalimar. There is an elementary school a very short distance from this mess, and there are children in Shalimar neighborhoods that walk, ride their bikes and play outside that are endangered by this house and it’s occupants.

    There is also the reality that drug addiction breeds crime, many addicts resort to criminal activity like theft, B& E, and violence in order to feed their addiction. This is a tragedy waiting to happen.

    I hope a solution for the greater good is found soon. We appreciate the efforts to resolve this once and for all

  2. When are you going to take care of the drug fest at 47th and Fir Ave. in Niceville? This has been going on for months. The NVP say it isnt in their jurisdiction and that it is the responsibility of the OCSO. Drive by and just look at it. Bad enough the druggies that are living there without permission are stealing water, electricity, and cable from the neighbors by hooking up in the middle of the night.

  3. Any addiction of any kind is a mental health issue. Instead of blaming police, addicts, family members, I would like to suggest we , meaning all of us, advocate for mental health intervention, a justice system that promotes rehab for addictions, businesses carry Norcan for emergencies, etc.

    I am passionate about this issue. I hope none of you have a loved one under the disease of addiction. Unfortunately, I have lost a son to this crippling disorder.

    If we can just do our part. It may not cure this scourge on society but our ignorance of the causes and treatment for mental health do not help.

    No intent to criticize. Please forgive if I hurt anyone’s feelings.

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“Yea Don Gaetz of all people, he should go!”
Respond
“Why the H... does anyone vote for any politician who is in favor of having the horrible disgusting private beaches? Every resident, every visitor, every tax payer MUST have a...”
Respond
“The air force doesn't own or need the land! It isn't theirs. It was mostly Choctawhatchee National Forest. The air force tried to sell that land in the 2000's but...”
Respond
“Those signs that you recommend have been there for years, just people annoyed them to the point that Eglin has now had to step the game up”
Respond
“Now that Ms. Ketchel has torn down more dunes, plus paved over what was beautiful sand, golf carts can drive from one end to the other. No way to cross...”
Respond
“It shows the beach being a part of the property. This was part of the plot plan. When the documents were shown to the attorney in depositions the Walton County...”
Respond
“Great history lesson. The only point I'll disagree with is the multi use path... I think its a good thing. Maybe a lot of money but it may save a...”
Respond
“This fence is a colossal waste of DoD dollars and needs to be investigated. These dollars should have been spent supporting the warfighter. The ruse that it protects environmentally sensitive...”
Respond
“This article is obviously written by someone with 0 knowledge of the area. The erosion happening now is because " The Wall," as anyone that's been here since the 70's...”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.