The Florida Highway Patrol conducted a traffic enforcement operation on State Road 82 Tuesday, targeting reckless and impaired drivers in an effort to improve road safety.
The operation took place from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., focusing on reducing crashes and violations along the busy highway.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, SR-82, which runs through Lee, Hendry, and Collier counties, has been the site of more than 3,500 crashes and 37 fatalities since 2021.
The operation aimed to deter dangerous driving behaviors and enhance public safety through proactive enforcement.
Several specialized units participated, including the FHP DUI Squad, Aggressive Driving Unit, Contraband Interdiction Unit with K-9 support, and a Drug Recognition Expert.
Troopers patrolled the highway, targeting speeding, aggressive driving, impaired driving, and other traffic violations.
The enforcement effort led to multiple arrests and citations. Troopers made four drug-related arrests and recovered 1.1 grams of cocaine, 16.6 grams of methamphetamine, and 12.9 grams of marijuana.
Seven felony charges were filed, and a stolen 2024 GMC Sierra was recovered.
Additionally, four drivers were cited for operating a vehicle without a valid license.
Troopers issued 29 speeding citations, 19 citations for other traffic violations such as faulty equipment and expired tags, and 54 warnings. Four vehicles were towed as a result of the operation.
FHP warned that similar operations will continue in the future to ensure compliance with traffic laws.
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