published: Friday, April 13, 2012

Lake sheriff's deputies catch 'high-level' dealer

CLERMONT

MILLARD K. IVES | Staff Writer

millardives@dailycommercial.com

Lake County Sheriff's narcotics detectives nabbed what they called a "high-level drug dealer" in South Lake County, with $80,000 worth of cocaine early the morning of April 6.

Terence Martin, of Clermont, was jailed on a number of charges, including trafficking in cocaine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of marijuana.

Martin remained in the Lake County jail late Friday in lieu of $521,000 bail.

Lt. John Herrell, sheriff's spokesman, said detectives believe Martin is responsible for dealing large amounts of cocaine throughout Central Flor-ida.

He added the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are likely.

The in-vestigation into Martin started after detectives got a tip from Louisiana State Police that a large amount of the drugs were being moved to Lake County.

Herrell said undercover detectives worked to coordinate their investigation as they prepared a search warrant and organized surveillance efforts.

Cocaine was delivered to Martin's residence at 16955 Sunrise Vista Drive in Clermont about 1:30 a.m. April 6, and officials served the warrant.

Herrell added they found five pounds of cocaine as well as marijuana, a digital scale and two handguns in the home.