G Raymond 
As part of the investigation, federal agents purchased counterfeit Xanax from the suspects on the “dark web” using cryptocurrency.
Two Floridians were arrested in Inverness Wednesday for racketeering and a host of other charges for their role in selling counterfeit drugs on the dark web.
After an extensive, yearlong joint investigation by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), CCSO’s Tactical Impact Unit (TIU) arrested both 53-year-old Benjamin Burdick and 29-year-old Catilynkyrie Burdick of Inverness, Florida.
They were taken into custody and are being held in the Citrus County Detention Facility without bond.
October 14, 2020, law enforcement executed a lawful search warrant at 3766 South Susan Point in Inverness. As part of the investigation, federal agents purchased counterfeit Xanax from the suspects on the “dark web” using cryptocurrency, which led to the search warrant being obtained.
A comprehensive search of the residence exposed several pieces of manufacturing, distribution and sales equipment that were collected to include: a pill press, pill binder mixer, USPS mail envelopes, USPS shipping boxes, an Accupost scale, vacuum sealer and bags, a bag containing 5 kilograms of pill binder, a digital scale with several cups and bowls that contained a white powdery residue.
Detectives discovered numerous Ziploc and vacuum-sealed bags containing counterfeit Xanax pills and white pills stamped with G7322, which is marketed as prescription Alprazolam. In addition, approximately 16,000 pills (net. weight 15 lbs.) pre-packaged in various sizes and bags were located during the search.
Detectives also seized $143,095 in US currency, which were proceeds from the online counterfeit drug sales, along with several firearms.
Benjamin Burdick, W/M (DOB 08/22/1967) was arrested on the following charges: possession of a new substance, known as a controlled substance, possession and/or distribute an imitation controlled substance, sell, manufacture, or deliver, or possess with intent to sell xanax, distribute medical drugs through an internet pharmacy without a permit and many more.
Co-accomplice Catilynkyrie Burdick, W/F (DOB 10/26/1990) was arrested on the following charges: sell, manufacture, or deliver, or possess with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver, a counterfeit controlled substance, to wit: Xanax/Alprazolam, possession of a controlled substance Cocaine, possession of THC wax, scheme to defraud and obtains property that has an aggregate value of $50,000.00 or more and many more.
This is a developing story, further updates will be provided as they become available.
