The pace of search and seizure operations across the Sunshine State continued in November with the arrest of two men and a woman in Fort Walton Beach. According to a press release issued by the Fort Walton Beach Police Department, a search warrant executed by detectives from the anti-narcotics squad resulted in multiple drug charges, confiscation, arrests and a good deal of intelligence gathering.
The search warrant was carried out by means of a Wednesday night raid on a home located in the Cinco Bayou district. Seven people were in the residence at the time of the raid. The three who were arrested were charged with various offenses ranging from drug possession and operating a drug house to intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia. Heroin was among the substances confiscated by police officers; methamphetamine and marijuana were also seized along with syringes, needles and scales.
The press release indicated that the three suspects arrested shared the same address. The other four individuals were released, but the investigation will continue, which means that they could still face charges for drug crimes. Those who are at the scene of a raid conducted by anti-narcotics detectives should not assume that they are in the clear just because they were not arrested on possession charges. If anything, they should retain an attorney in case their names come up in the testimony provided by confidential informants.
As for the three aforementioned suspects, the charges of operating a drug house could have serious consequences. A criminal defense lawyer would likely look into the conduct of the officers and other circumstances to build assertive defenses and start working towards the best outcome.
Source: NWF Daily News, “3 people arrested in Fort Walton Beach drug bust”, Genevieve DiNatale, 11/16/2017
