Miami Man Sentenced to 22 Years for Fentanyl Trafficking
Drug trafficking has long been a top priority for federal and state law enforcement here in Florida. In recent years, much of this enforcement effort has focused on fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin. According to the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, even a single fentanyl pill can result in death.
Highlands County Officers Found Meth, Fentanyl in Defendant’s Home
In large part because of its lethality, drug trafficking charges involving fentanyl often lead to harsh sentences. Just recently, a federal judge in Miami sentenced a defendant to 22 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to one charge of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. The case, United States v. Copeland, began when law enforcement executed a search warrant of the defendant’s home in Highlands County this past March. [include proper legal citation for this case either here or in footnote]
During the search, officers found “seven large packages of blue pills and three large plastic bags containing a white substance,” according to court records. Subsequent testing of the pills and substance revealed the presence of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Additional drugs were found in the defendant’s minivan.
A federal grand jury subsequently indicted the defendant on two charges of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. This final charge arose because of the defendant’s 1996 conviction for possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell in Florida state court. He served a prison term of nearly 16 years on that conviction.
Under the terms of the defendant’s plea agreement with the United States Attorney’s Office in Miami, the defendant waived his right to a trial and pleaded guilty to the two possession with intent to distribute charges. In exchange, the government dismissed the two firearm charges in the indictment.
On November 14, 2024, United States District Judge Aileen M. Cannon sentenced the defendant to 264 months–22 years–in federal prison for each of the two drug trafficking charges, with the sentences to run concurrently. (The government asked for 328 months in its sentencing memorandum, followed by lifetime probation.) Following the defendant’s release from prison, he must serve an additional 10 years on probation.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Drug Trafficking Defense Lawyer Today
Possessing even a small quantity of fentanyl can land you in serious trouble with state and federal law enforcement. That is why you need to take such drug arrests seriously. Your first step following such an arrest should be to contact an experienced Fort Lauderdale drug trafficking lawyer who can help explain the charges against you and advise you on a legal strategy for defending yourself in court. Call Haber | Blank LLP today at 954-767-0300 to schedule a consultation.
Source:
justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/sebring-man-sentenced-22-years-prison-possessing-intent-distribute-over-8-kilos
