One 34-year-old male drug dealer who was well-known to Fort Myers law enforcement agencies was arrested in an undercover drug bust on September 26th. The arrest took place outside of a youth program complex, which was the location chosen by the dealer to make the sale, unknowingly, to an undercover narcotics agent. The bust was set up utilizing information gathered from a confidential informant to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office narcotics unit.
Investigators told news outlets that the man was carrying enough fentanyl to kill more than 200 people. He has been charged with Sale or Delivery of Controlled Substance, Opium, or Deriv-sell (within 1000 feet of specified area, Schedule I or II) and Opium or Deriv-Possession (selling within 1000 feet of specified area, Schedule I or II.)
For the charges regarding location alone, the defendant has been given a $60,000 bond and is currently being held in the county jail. He is still awaiting bond to be set for the Sale or Delivery charge. Due to the proximity of sale to a youth facility, it is likely that the defendant will be charged with a first-degree felony. In the state of Florida, such a charge in punishable by a prison sentence of up to 30 years, a fine of up to $10,000 or both.
Any person who is charged with a serious drug crime should consult with an attorney as soon as possible. When speaking to authorities, it is important to make sure your rights are protected. Allow an experienced attorney to negotiate with state prosecutors on your behalf for the best opportunity of receiving a plea deal or lesser sentence.