WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — A massive drug trafficking operation was dismantled in Palm Beach County this month, with investigators alleging the network was moving cocaine, methamphetamine, counterfeit pills, and fentanyl laced with the dangerous additive xylazineknown as “tranq.”
At least four suspects are in custody, including street-level dealers and higher-level distributors, according to court documents.
Authorities say this sprawling operation stretched from West Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale, involving a sophisticated system of wiretaps, undercover buys, GPS surveillance, and intercepted calls.
Key Players and Roles
Robby Augustinknown as “Al,” was identified by deputies as the main street-level fentanyl dealer. According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO), Augustin was allegedly caught in multiple undercover fentanyl sales in Palm Beach County between November 2024 and February 2025, with quantities reportedly ranging from two grams to nearly 14 grams. Deputies say he met undercover agents in CVS and Publix parking lots. During one deal, Augustin allegedly sold nearly 12 grams of fentanyl mixed with xylazine for $860, an amount PBSO lab testing later confirmed. Authorities further allege that Augustin admitted to having a “crew” and claimed access to larger drug supplies. He is being held without bond and faces multiple first-degree felony trafficking charges.
Ari Joseph is accused of acting as a high-level mid-distributor, allegedly bridging local dealers with large-scale suppliers. According to PBSO, Joseph used multiple phones to arrange kilogram cocaine deals, pounds of methamphetamine, and sales of counterfeit pills. He frequently traveled between Palm Beach and Broward counties and reportedly used ride-share services to mask movements. Surveillance reportedly captured Joseph arranging a kilo cocaine purchase with Oscar Senat, allegedly facilitated through a courier linked to Billie Jacques.
Billie Jacques is accused of supplying fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and counterfeit Xanax pills. Detectives allege he had ties to a prior DEA investigation and reportedly operated through front businesses and family connections. PBSO claims Jacques also sold 2 pounds of methamphetamine and 9 ounces of cocaine to Joseph and offered counterfeit pills for $2 each.
Jensen Solomon was identified by investigators as a local cocaine dealer. Surveillance reportedly captured him selling 4.5 ounces of cocaine to Joseph in April 2025, with price negotiations caught on intercepted calls. Salomon is accused of charging higher prices for smaller quantities and demanding upfront payments.
Oscar Senate is accused of splitting the $15,500 cost of a kilogram of cocaine with Joseph. Deputies reportedly spotted him during a cash handoff and claim he later received part of the kilo from Joseph in Lake Worth.
Timeline of Major Events
- November 2024: Initial alleged controlled buys of fentanyl from Augustin in CVS parking lots.
- December 2024to January 2025: Continued alleged purchases, including 4.6 grams, 5 grams, and 7.6 grams of fentanyl.
- February 2025: Nearly 14 grams of fentanyl mixed with xylazine was allegedly purchased from Augustin.
- March 2025: Joseph and Senat are accused of splitting the cost of a kilogram of cocaine, with Joseph reportedly using a courier linked to Jacques and allegedly storing the kilo at a Lake Worth motel.
- April 2025: Joseph allegedly arranged to buy 500–1,000 counterfeit Xanax pills for $2 each from Jacques, two pounds of methamphetamine, and 9 ounces of cocaine. Additional cocaine was reportedly purchased from Salomon.
See also: Pickle juice and hot sauce poured on injured puppy; Florida teen faces felony
Charges Filed
Robby Augustin faces charges for the sale of fentanyl and trafficking in fentanyl between 4 and 14 grams.
Ari Joseph is charged with conspiracy to traffic in cocaine (400 grams or more but less than 150 kilograms), conspiracy to deliver a Schedule IV substance, conspiracy to traffic in cocaine between 28 and 200 grams, conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine (200 grams or more), and conspiracy to traffic in cocaine between 200 and 400 grams.
Billie Jacques faces charges for conspiracy to deliver a Schedule IV substance, conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine (200 grams or more), and conspiracy to traffic in cocaine between 200 and 400 grams.
Oscar Senat is charged with conspiracy to traffic in cocaine (400 grams or more but less than 150 kilograms).
Jensen Salomon is charged with conspiracy to traffic in cocaine between 28 and 200 grams.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities say at least five individuals now face first-degree felony trafficking charges, with four in custody. Additional arrests and charges may follow as the investigation continues.
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