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Authorities accuse man of being linked to heroin overdoses

May 20, 2018 | Drug Charges

On May 3, Florida authorities reported that they believed that they had taken a man who was believed to be a drug trafficker involved in multiple heroin overdoses into custody. The man was identified as a 32-year-old who was previously known to be a drug trafficker.

Authorities held an undercover operation that was directed at capturing the alleged drug trafficker on May 2. A traffic stop was conducted on the man’s vehicle the next day. After a police dog indicated that there may be drugs in the vehicle, the deputies conducted a search. During this search, they reportedly found 4 grams of heroin, 2 grams of cocaine, syringes and other drugs. The heroin was sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement so that it could be tested for fentanyl, a potent drug that is often combined with heroin.

The accused man was ultimately taken into custody and was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, heroin trafficking and the introduction of contraband into a detention facility. A second man who was in the vehicle was charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Under Florida law, those who are accused of trafficking drugs, like heroin, that result in overdoses can be held responsible. This means that those who are charged with drug trafficking crimes could face severe legal consequences, including lengthy prison sentences and major fines. A criminal law attorney may protect the accused person’s rights while the case is ongoing. If the authorities did not follow the correct procedures during the investigation or the trial itself, the attorney might attempt to have the affected evidence thrown out, meaning that it cannot be used against the accused person.

Source: Palm Coast Observer, “Deputies arrest man believed to be drug trafficker linked to non-fatal overdoses“, Jonathan Simmons, 05/07/2018

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