Florida woman arrested in drug bust is a lottery winner of $1 million

A recent drugs bust has resulted in several arrests, including a Florida woman who won $1 million last year.[caption id="attachment_14455" align=aligncenter width=640] Karlee Harbst was the winner of $1 million in May 2018[/caption]A year-long investigation by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO) was brought to a close on 16 May.One of those arrested was lottery winner Karlee Harbst, 27. She had previously won $1 million on a scratch-off ticket in 2018.

Florida woman had a criminal record

At the time of her win last year it was seen as an opportunity to turn her life around. She had previous convictions for drug possession, theft, contempt of court and driving with a suspended license at the time of her win.Rather than improving her lifestyle it is alleged that she got involved with a gang of drug peddlers. The operation nabbed eight suspects along with 20 firearms and $250,000 in cash.Local news network WESH 2 is reporting that she has been charged with “solicitation to deliver heroin and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.”After winning in 2018, Harbst appeared on TV and stated she bought the ticket because of seeing her lucky number.[caption id="attachment_14461" align=aligncenter width=640] Karlee Harbst was picked up during "Operation Smooth Criminal." (Volusia County Corrections Department)[/caption]“When I saw the ticket was number 24, I had to get it; 24 is my favorite number,” she was quoted as stating in a press release.Ms Harbst was also supposedly pregnant when winning last year. It was also her second win in succession as she had won $100 the week before.

Read more: Article about a lottery winner who was arrested fools the Internet

The operation was nicknamed "Operation Smooth Criminal." It was a direct response to the recent opioid crisis in Florida, which has resulted in 300 overdose deaths in the last two years.