OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — A significant drug trafficking operation in Okaloosa County has been dismantled following a multi-year investigation by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.
The operation, known as “Operation Whipslider,” targeted a drug trafficking organization responsible for the transportation and distribution of cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana into the area.
Taj Tariq Tamboura Robinson was identified as the leader of the organization, according to the OCSO.
The investigation revealed that Robinson sourced cocaine and fentanyl from Houston, Texas.
In cooperation with the State Attorney’s Office and the Office of Statewide Prosecution, three additional individuals were arrested in connection with the DTO: Lakendrick Ford-Davis, Darrisha Burden, and Mechelle Taylor.
Darrisha Burden, acting under the direction of Rashid Robinson, was involved in obtaining and packaging contraband—including cellphones, tobacco, and controlled substances—for smuggling into a state prison. Lakendrick Ford-Davis, a state correctional officer at the facility where Rashid Robinson was incarcerated, received the contraband from Mechelle Taylor and delivered it to Robinson inside the prison.
The investigation led to multiple federal indictments and significant seizures.
Robinson faces charges including conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 5 kilograms of cocaine, 400 grams of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana, as well as distribution of more than 500 grams of cocaine, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and possession with intent to distribute over 5 kilograms of cocaine and 400 grams of fentanyl.
Rashid Robinson is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 5 kilograms of cocaine, 400 grams of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana; distribution of more than 500 grams of cocaine; conspiracy to commit money laundering; and possession with intent to distribute over 5 kilograms of cocaine and 400 grams of fentanyl.