State And Local Police Make Large-Scale Drug Bust In Pinellas County
Illegal drug use, sales, and distribution pose serious problems in Pinellas County and police are vigilant in their efforts at apprehending offenders. Those charged with drug crimes in Seminole face potentially heavy fines and a lengthy prison sentence. Before making arrests, investigators often cast a wide net and look to catch as many alleged players as possible. Our Seminole criminal attorney explains a recent case making headline news and the penalties that could result.
Drug Bust In Pinellas County Results In 24 Arrests
State and local police recently conducted a major, large-scale drug bust in Pinellas County. According to a December 7, 2023 Tampa Bay Times News report, authorities seized large quantities of illegal substances that have a high street value and arrested 24 people for their part in the sales and distribution process.
The investigation, dubbed “Operation Dirty Ink” by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, began earlier in the year when detectives got tips about drugs being sold out of a local tattoo shop. Police uncovered an extensive distribution network in which drugs originating out of Mexico traveled through Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, and other states before being picked up by couriers and carried back to Pinellas County.
Authorities claim that the bust resulted in the seizure of close to 900 pounds of cocaine, over 100 pounds of fentanyl, and more than 20 pounds of methamphetamine. It was sold throughout the Tampa Bay area, and the sheriff’s office estimated the street value to be over a million dollars.
As part of a multi-agency effort, law enforcement officials gathered evidence and conducted coordinated busts, taking 24 suspects into custody. They face a variety of criminal charges, including trafficking, manufacturing, and illegal sales and distributions.
Penalties For Drug Crimes In Pinellas County
Illegal drugs pose public health risks and are often the catalyst for all types of other criminal behavior. Law enforcement takes a tough stance on apprehending drug offenders, and state prosecutors work overtime to make drug charges in Pinellas County stick.
Under the Florida Statutes, penalties for drug crimes vary based on the specific offense, the type and amount of drugs involved, and whether the alleged perpetrator has a criminal past. These are likely to include:
- For illegal drug use and possession: These crimes can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, with heavy fines and multiple years imprisonment.
- For drug sales and distribution: Having significant amounts of drugs in your possession is likely to indicate sales. You could face up to 30 years in prison, depending on the circumstances.
- Drug manufacture and trafficking: These are serious crimes that could result in federal charges, including mandatory minimum sentencing and the possibility of life imprisonment.
Contact Our Seminole Drug Crimes Attorney
Drug crimes carry heavy penalties in Florida. If you are facing any type of drug charges, contact the Reep Law Firm. To get the experienced, professional legal help you need to protect your rights, request a consultation with our Pinellas County criminal defense attorney today.
Sources:
tampabay.com/news/crime/2023/12/06/pinellas-deputies-seize-drugs-money-guns-st-petersburg-bust/
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0800-0899/0893/Sections/0893.13.html
