Law enforcement agents spent a year gathering evidence against 10 people arrested on charges of distributing heroin, fentanyl and methamphetamine in central Florida. According to the director of the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, a 30-year-old man taken into custody was selling large quantities of heroin and fentanyl in Orange County. At the time of his arrest, police claimed that he had 3 kilograms of heroin and a gun in his possession.
The multi-agency drug task force that arrested the man along with nine other people reported that the group of alleged drug traffickers distributed 5 to 6 kilograms of heroin and fentanyl every week. The suspects allegedly hid the drugs in vehicles and drove them to parts of the state. Criminal charges against the people include trafficking in heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl, conspiracy and weapons violations.
The director added that investigators believe that the narcotics were coming from Mexico and supplied by a member of a Mexican drug cartel. Authorities continue to look for an 11th individual believed to be a Mexican citizen who may or may not still be in the country.
In drug cases, prosecutors often apply as many felony charges as possible against a suspect. A person in this position could talk to an attorney to learn about potential penalties if convicted and possible defense strategies. An attorney could evaluate the evidence and strive to challenge any charges that appear excessive. With legal advice, a person could gain an opinion about the chances of winning a trial. If the prosecutor’s case appears strong, an attorney might seek a plea deal and try to get the lightest sentence possible in exchange for cooperation.
Source: Orlando Sentinel, “Central Florida drug trafficking bust nets 10 arrests“, Tess Sheets, Sept. 17, 2018
