For Immediate Release

January 21, 2026

PALATKA, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), working through the HIDTA Tri‑County Narcotics Task Force and in coordination with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the Palatka Police Department, arrested Samuel Williams Jr., 48, of Palatka, following a months‑long drug trafficking investigation.

On Jan. 16, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at Williams’ residence. The warrant stemmed from a four‑month investigation into William’s drug-distribution activities. Through physical and electronic surveillance, it was determined that Williams was supplying narcotics to individuals and locations throughout Putnam, Clay, St. Johns and Duval counties.

During the search of the residence, authorities seized 138 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 28 grams of suspected fentanyl, 34 grams of cocaine, 132 grams of powder cocaine, 16 ecstasy pills, 269 grams of synthetic cathinones, 292 grams of marijuana, a firearm, ammunition and drug‑packaging materials.

Williams fled from the home as the warrant was being served, but the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit located him nearby. He was taken into custody and transported to the Putnam County Jail.

As a result of the investigation, Williams faces charges of armed trafficking in methamphetamine, armed trafficking in cocaine, armed trafficking in fentanyl, armed trafficking in phenethylamines, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, maintaining a drug dwelling, and resisting arrest without violence.

The case will be prosecuted by Office of the State Attorney, Seventh Judicial Circuit.

The investigation remains active. 

For Further Information Contact:

FDLE Office of Public Information