Video Reveals Major Drug Bust in Miami Beach

This week, a SWAT operation by Miami Beach Police led to the arrest of two men and the seizure of a substantial and varied amount of drugs.

Authorities report that these substances were being distributed near several schools and a religious temple located in the North Beach area.

Police-released footage captured heavily armed officers executing a search warrant at an apartment close to 76th Street. The video depicts one of the arrestees, identified as 34-year-old Ricardo Ramos, being escorted out of the residence while officers secured the area and began their search.

Months of Investigation

The investigation, initiated by Miami Beach Police in July 2025, began following an anonymous tip-off about a man distributing methamphetamine in North Beach. Ricardo Ramos, whose nationality remains undisclosed, was soon identified as the primary suspect.

Authorities indicate that detectives found Ramos "moved between residences to dodge law enforcement and used multiple locations for receiving drugs and conducting transactions." Undercover purchases were part of the investigative process, with police noting that on January 27, Ramos met with an undercover agent near the intersection of 76th Street and Dickens Avenue, where he sold methamphetamine less than 1,000 feet (approximately 300 meters) from Temple Menorah, a synagogue, and several local schools.

The authorities emphasized that these transactions took place in a sensitive area due to its proximity to educational centers and family homes.

SWAT Operation and Drug Seizure

On Tuesday night, the SWAT team executed a search warrant at the apartment linked to Ramos. The search resulted in the confiscation of various types of drugs and other items now part of the ongoing investigation.

According to the police report, they seized:

• Approximately 24 kilograms of 1,4-butanediol, packaged in 500 ml bottles labeled as household cleaner.
• About 256 grams of crystal methamphetamine.
• Approximately 236 grams (424 pills) of phenethylamine/MDMA (ecstasy).
• 28 grams of crystalline MDMA.
• 68 grams of 2-CB.
• 12 Xanax pills.
• 32 grams of cocaine distributed in 24 small bags.
• 32 grams of ketamine.
• 10 grams of fresh cannabis.

Additionally, seven cell phones and an iPad were confiscated during the operation. Police spokesperson Christopher Bess noted that these devices "are linked to multiple fraud cases," potentially broadening the scope of the case beyond drug trafficking.

Arrests and Charges

Alongside Ramos, 52-year-old Remigio Romero was also arrested. Authorities have yet to specify the charges Romero faces. Ramos, however, is confronting multiple charges related to drug trafficking and selling controlled substances, including charges for selling narcotics within 1,000 feet of a school.

He appeared in court on Wednesday, where a judge set his bail at nearly $80,000, according to court records.

Spokesperson Bess highlighted the case's severity due to the sales location: "They seized a range of narcotics, from cocaine to methamphetamine, but most importantly, we were able to confiscate them before any child could access them at a nearby school."

Bess added that the situation is "extremely concerning and demonstrates that our accused had no regard for the lives of our residents or the children attending school."

He also warned that the process is ongoing: "The fact that an arrest has been made does not necessarily mean the investigation is complete. This investigation is still active, and our investigators and the police department will continue doing everything possible to ensure that drugs are never sold again in Miami Beach."

Institutional Message

Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne Jones emphasized that the case resulted from coordinated efforts over several months. "This case reflects months of coordinated investigative work and strong local and federal partnerships," he stated in a release. "It highlights our commitment to protecting our residents, children, and families, and ensuring that those attempting to distribute dangerous drugs near schools and places of worship are held accountable."

Jones also expressed gratitude to the community for the information that initiated the investigation, underscoring the importance of citizen collaboration in such cases.

Authorities have reiterated that the case remains open. Reviewing the seized electronic devices could lead to new charges or the identification of other individuals potentially involved.