CIITRUS COUNTY, Fla. – A weeks-long investigation by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) culminated this past weekend in the arrest of two Crystal River women on serious drug trafficking and firearm charges. Detectives seized nearly three pounds of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $17,000, along with multiple firearms, including one reported stolen.
Valerie Nipper Daniels and Traci Dawn Daniels were taken into custody after a search warrant was executed at their motorhome located at 130 S. Suncoast Blvd.
From Traffic Stop to Major Bust
The CCSO Special Investigations Unit (SIU) had been monitoring suspected meth trafficking from the motorhome for several weeks. The breakthrough came on June 13, when a traffic stop related to a vehicle recently leaving the residence led to the discovery of approximately 116.2 grams of methamphetamine after a K9 unit alerted to narcotics. Investigators quickly determined the drugs originated from the motorhome.
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Reluctant Suspects and a Cache of Contraband
Armed with this new information, SIU detectives secured a search warrant and executed it in the early hours of June 14. Despite detectives announcing their presence and warrant, the occupants initially refused to open the door, prompting law enforcement to force entry. Both women eventually complied and were removed from the motorhome without further incident.
Inside, detectives uncovered a staggering 1,234.7 grams (over 2.7 pounds) of methamphetamine, primarily hidden in a bedroom closet. This brings the total amount of meth seized in the investigation to 1,350.9 grams, or 2.98 pounds.
In addition to the drugs, deputies found several firearms: a Taurus 9mm handgun, a Smith & Wesson .38 special, a Ruger .22 revolver, and a Hi-Point 9mm handgun. One of these firearms was confirmed to be stolen out of Marion County, and that aspect of the investigation remains ongoing.
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Both Valerie and Traci Daniels are prohibited from owning firearms due to extensive prior felony convictions. Valerie Daniels has 21 felony and 11 misdemeanor convictions, while Traci Daniels has 11 felony and 20 misdemeanor convictions.
“This operation shows how committed we are at CCSO to getting drugs off our streets and keeping our community safe,” said Citrus County Sheriff Vincent. “Everyone in our community deserves to feel secure, and that’s why we’re focused on making real changes. By working together across different units, we really live by the idea of ‘One Community, One Goal.’ This teamwork boosts our efforts and helps us stay united in tackling drug trafficking.”
Valerie Nipper Daniels and Traci Dawn Daniels have both been charged with:
- Trafficking in Methamphetamine
- Leasing/Renting/Owning a Place for the Purpose of Trafficking in a Controlled Substance
- Four counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Both women were transported to the Citrus County Detention Facility, where they are currently being held without bond.
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