Seven people in Florida were charged for various drug offenses on March 31 following an investigation that spanned eight months. According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the accused individuals were part of a large drug trafficking operation in Bonita Springs. One of the accused individuals, a 38-year-old man, is thought to be the leader of the alleged organization. Investigators say that he and a 36-year-old man acquired and distributed drugs but hired others to perform smaller transactions for them.
During the investigation, authorities executed search warrants at 10 different locations in Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Bonita Springs and Naples. Investigators seized heroin, cocaine and Hydrocodone pills. The heroin that was seized during the investigation had a street value of over $1.2 million, and the cocaine was valued at more than $30,000. Seven vehicles and more than $10,000 in cash was also seized.
The alleged leader of the drug organization is the brother of a man who was accused of selling drugs in 2014. Detectives say that the man took over his brother’s drug trafficking business and now owns his brother’s former business in Bonita Springs. The alleged leader and six other people were all charged for various drug trafficking, drug possession and conspiracy counts.
Drug trafficking is one of the more serious drug-related charges, and it often requires a vigorous and thorough defense. Criminal defense attorneys will often review the details of the search that resulted in the seizure of the drugs to determine whether any of the defendant’s constitutional rights were violated. A successful challenge could result in the evidence being ruled inadmissible.
Source: ABC 7, “7 arrested in million-dollar drug bust in Bonita Springs,” April 1, 2016
