ORLANDO, Fla. — A months-long Orlando Police Department investigation into illegal narcotics trafficking has led to repeated arrests and the seizure of large quantities of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs, authorities announced, marking a significant disruption of drug activity in West Orlando neighborhoods.
The investigation began in August 2025 after OPD received multiple community complaints alleging drug sales at a residence on the 4800 block of Selbe Court, according to police. Officers conducting surveillance made contact with individuals leaving the home who were found to be in possession of illegal narcotics, giving investigators probable cause to seek a search warrant.
Search Warrant Uncovers Drugs and Firearms
During the execution of the search warrant at 4855 Selbe Court, officers recovered trafficking-level quantities of controlled substances and firearms, including:
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More than 40 grams of cocaine
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Over 15 grams of amphetamines
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2.5 grams of oxycodone
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One shotgun
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One 9mm handgun
As officers searched the home, Derrick Gilmore (DOB: 11/27/1986) attempted to flee the scene, police said. Gilmore and a second suspect, Blake Coleman (DOB: 03/29/1985), were taken into custody and charged with multiple felony offenses, including trafficking in cocaine greater than 28 grams with a weapon, possession of controlled substances with intent to sell or deliver, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Storage Unit Linked to Suspect
Investigators later identified a storage unit allegedly used by Gilmore. A search warrant executed at that location resulted in the seizure of:
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More than 14 grams of crystal methamphetamine
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An AR-style pistol
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Over 100 rounds of ammunition
Police said the findings reinforced evidence that Gilmore was operating a sustained drug trafficking operation.
Fentanyl Pills Recovered After Attempted Escape
On November 20, 2025, officers located Gilmore—who had been released on bond—back at the Selbe Court residence. While attempting to evade police, Gilmore was observed driving away and discarding a backpack near Central Avenue and Barlow Street, authorities said.
The backpack was recovered and found to contain:
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9.6 grams of fentanyl pills
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Nearly 30 grams of MDMA
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More than 25 grams of cocaine
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Nearly 5 grams of oxycodone
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One 9mm handgun
Suspect Blake Coleman 
Suspect Derrick Gilmore 
Suspect Regina Taylor
Investigators said Gilmore then abandoned his vehicle and was picked up by a third suspect, Regina Taylor (DOB: 02/19/1995). Both were later located at a residence near Fountain Bleau Drive and arrested.
Arrest in Stolen Vehicle Leads to More Charges
After being granted bond once again, Gilmore failed to appear for a scheduled court date, prompting a warrant for his arrest. On January 23, 2026, OPD’s Tactical Anti-Crime (TAC) Unit located Gilmore driving a stolen vehicle near Raleigh Street and Kirkman Avenue, police said.
A search of the vehicle uncovered additional narcotics, including:
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17 grams of crack cocaine
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14 grams of powder cocaine
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10 MDMA pills marked with a “Superman” logo
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Four oxycodone pills
Gilmore was charged with trafficking in cocaine, possession of MDMA with intent to sell, possession of a controlled substance, and grand theft of a motor vehicle.
Additional Armed Trafficking Charges Filed
On January 25, 2026, Gilmore was formally charged in connection with the narcotics and firearm recovered from the discarded backpack in November. Those charges include armed trafficking of fentanyl, oxycodone, and MDMA, multiple counts of possession with intent to sell or deliver controlled substances, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute.
Community Impact
Police officials said the investigation underscores the department’s focus on removing fentanyl and other high-risk narcotics from Orlando neighborhoods, particularly substances linked to overdose deaths across Central Florida.
“The diligent, months-long work by our officers disrupted a significant drug operation and removed dangerous narcotics and firearms from our streets,” OPD said in a statement.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains part of broader efforts to address illegal drug trafficking and protect community safety throughout Orlando.
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