On May 1, Florida authorities issued 104 arrest warrants for suspected gang members who were allegedly participating in a large-scale fentanyl ring in Brevard County. The warrants were the culmination of a lengthy investigation conducted by Brevard County Sheriff’s Office deputies.
Throughout the investigation, deputies reportedly seized 3 pounds of the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl, which is enough to kill each of the 590,000 people who live in Brevard County. Deputies also seized 9 pounds of methamphetamine, an unspecified amount of heroin and 75 firearms. The total street value of the drug haul is estimated to be around $181,000. According to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, the seizure is the largest drug bust ever made in the history of the county.
Experts say that fentanyl is frequently mixed with other drugs to cheaply increase their potency. However, because as little as .25 milligrams can kill an adult, it is extremely dangerous. Three alleged leaders of the drug operation, a 35-year-old male, a 42-year-old male and a 31-year-old female, have already been taken into custody. The 35-year-old defendant is being held on a $2.5 million bond. The other two defendants are each being held on a $900,000 bond.
If convicted, it is common for drug defendants to be sentenced to years in prison, assessed thousands of dollars in fines and subjected to asset forfeiture. Because the consequences are so serious, defendants may wish to contact a criminal defense attorney for advice and representation. The attorney might challenge the prosecution’s evidence and develop a strong defense strategy based on the circumstances of the case, which could cause the charges to be dismissed or reduced.
Source: WSBTV, “More than 100 arrested in massive Florida drug bust after months-long investigation,” Karma Allen, May 7, 2019