A new film starring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon called “The Rip” is taking inspiration from a 2016 drug bust in Miami Lakes that became the largest money seizure in Miami-Dade history.
The mayor of Hialeah, Bryan Calvo, is pushing back on the city’s portrayal in The Rip, a Netflix movie inspired by a $22 million drug bust that took place in 2016 in Miami Lakes.
In a statement, Calvo acknowledged that the film could have been shot in Miami Lakes but said the production chose Hialeah “because it’s iconic.”
The statement adds that “Hialeah is not a stereotype, and we are not unsafe,” describing its residents as proud, hardworking people who live in one of the “safest cities in Florida based on published safety rankings.”
“If any portrayal crosses the line into defamation or deliberate mischaracterization that harms the reputation of our city, let me be clear: we will explore every option available to defend Hialeah, including legal options if necessary,” he added.
The film
According to the film’s synopsis, Affleck and Damon play Miami-Dade Police officers, now known as the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, “discovering millions in cash in a derelict stash house, trust among a team of Miami cops begins to fray.”
The film is based on former officer Chris Casiano and his narcotics team’s investigation and raid of the Miami Lakes home.
Like all films based on true events, “The Rip” takes liberties with the story.
The 2016 Raid
On June 28, 2016, authorities conducted a raid on the Miami Lakes home, located off Northwest 169th Terrace and 77th Path, which was owned by a suspected marijuana trafficker.
At the home, authorities found money stuffed in dozens of five-gallon buckets that were bought at a Home Depot located in a hidden attic compartment.
Over $21 million was seized.
Luis Hernandez-Gonzalez was taken into custody on several drug and firearms charges stemming from an investigation by the Miami-Dade police and the Drug Enforcement Administration. His sister, Salma Hernandez, 32, was also arrested.
Authorities said Hernandez-Gonzalez, who runs The Blossom Experience store in Miami-Dade, was involved in trafficking marijuana to Tennessee along with two other men. He had been the target of an investigation dating back to 2010, speaking with informants about the drug trade, according to police.
The store’s website proclaims its expertise in indoor gardening needs and lists items, including lights and fans. The business was raided as part of the operation, with officers finding drugs and $180,000 in a safe.
Hernandez-Gonzalez was recorded on various phone calls advising on how to care for the plants. After his arrest, Hernandez-Gonzalez allegedly admitted to helping customers grow the drug.
Authorities said Salma Hernandez works at the shop with her brother.
The Guilty Plea Deal
Two years after the raid, on Feb. 7, 2018, Hernandez-Gonzalez pled guilty in a plea deal that allowed him to keep $4 million, his home, his hydroponics garden supplies store and five Rolex watches.
He pleaded guilty in federal court to money laundering and structuring bank deposits to avoid the federal government’s reporting requirement, known as smurfing, his attorney said.
His marijuana trafficking and other charges were dropped as part of the plea agreement.
At the time, Hernandez-Gonzalez’s sentencing was set for April 20, which, coincidentally, is a celebratory day in cannabis culture
Sentencing
On April 25, 2018, Hernandez-Gonzalez was sentenced to 65 months in prison.
“The Rip,” directed by Joe Carnahan, is currently playing on Netflix.
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