drug bust

The Nassau County Narcotics Division conducted a buy/bust operation in the Yulee area this week and arrested eight people — all who live outside the county.

Wednesday’s operation netted 60 grams of crack cocaine, 3.5 grams of marijuana, 1.5 grams of powder cocaine and one stolen vehicle, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office said.

Arrested on drug charges were a female juvenile from Jacksonville, Donald Lewis Ross of Orange Park, Louis K. Brown of Ponte Vedra Beach, and five others from Jacksonville — Kevon T. Belsches, Joseph I. Lunsford, Leslie M. Elixson, John G. Farmer and Alicia B. Webber. Lunsford also was charged with grand theft auto.

By WENDI ZONGKER

wendi.zongker@mynassausun.com

Eleven Nassau County residents were arrested this month for their involvement in a family drug ring discovered during a nine-month undercover drug investigation conducted by the Fernandina Beach Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Agency, according to a FBPD press release Tuesday.

The drug ring is believed to have sold as much as 6 to 10 ounces of cocaine per week in Nassau County.

Christopher T. Brown was arrested this month and is believed to be the ringleader of the organization. An arrest warrant has been issued for Brown's brother, Benjamin Simmons, according to the release.