In a dramatic crackdown, Florida law enforcement officials confiscated approximately 92,000 pounds of illicit drugs and an arsenal of military-grade weaponry from a seasoned criminal. The operation, likened to a “‘Breaking Bad’ on steroids,” draws a parallel to the popular TV series about a chemistry teacher who becomes a drug lord.

Authorities have charged 26-year-old Maxwell Horvath with 36 counts of firearm possession by a convicted felon, two counts of possessing a short-barreled machine gun, and possession of a short-barreled rifle. Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey indicated that additional charges related to explosive devices are anticipated.

The investigation, which began in September, took off when agents procured illegal substances made from kratom, a tropical plant. These substances reportedly contained 7-hydroxymitragynine, known as 7-OH, a potent compound.

During the transaction, Horvath allegedly provided agents a tour of his establishment, “Overseas Organics.” This business is accused of manufacturing a drug said to be 13 times more powerful than morphine.

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, via social media, confirmed Horvath’s arrest in connection with this extensive illegal drug operation.

“He’s proud of his business,” Ivey said in a video posted to Facebook. “This thing looked like ‘Breaking Bad’ on steroids. … He had it lined up with all sorts of different chambers and rooms and sterile environments. … They were taking [the substance], extracting it, putting it in compressing machines.

“Horvath knows it’s illegal, but thinks he’s circumventing the system,” Ivey added. “He thinks that because you go there and make a purchase, or you make a purchase online and he ships it out of the state of Florida, he is not violating the law. Well, trick or treat, he is.”

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office showed tables filled with seized weapons. (Brevard County Sheriff’s Office via Facebook)

When authorities raided Horvath’s facility, they seized about 92,000 pounds of illegal substances, with a street value of about $4.7 million, according to officials.

They also discovered five IEDs, 12 rifles, 17 pistols, three shotguns, two fully automatic submachine guns, a short-barreled rifle and revolver, three suppressors, thousands of rounds of ammunition, grenade simulators and fifty pounds of precursor chemicals to make explosives.

Tools used to manufacture the substances were photographed by authorities. (Brevard County Sheriff’s Office via Facebook)

“We’re not just talking about drugs,” said City of Palm Bay Police Chief Mariano Augello. “We’re talking about explosive devices, things that the military are utilizing, and other countries are utilizing all over the world, to take out populations of people.”

Ivey said the bust was the largest seizure of its kind in the country. 

Dozens of large boxes of the substances were seized by authorities. (Brevard County Sheriff’s Office via Facebook)

“This is what danger looks like right here,” he said. “Everything that you see … is a red flag for disaster. … The guy was making his own suppressors, fully automatic weapons, explosive devices. This guy was either looking to engage in war, or looking to arm and furnish to those that are. [He] even had a 50 cal on a tripod ready to do serious damage. … Those indictments will make sure that he spends the rest of his life right where he deserves, and that’s in prison.”

Horvath, who was first arrested by federal authorities at the age of 17, previously served two years in prison and two years of federal probation for possession of an explosive device and MDMA trafficking.

“[At] 26 years old, [he is] already pretty much a career offender,” Augello said. “He has no regard for the sanctity of life.”