Daytona Beach Man Attempts To Dump Fentanyl During Drug Bust
In early November 2023, a man living in Daytona Beach was at home when a search warrant was executed on his property – but instead of allowing law enforcement to search his home, he attempted to throw fentanyl down a sink. The man had been under investigation in recent months for allegedly selling drugs in the area, and police found roughly 40 grams of fentanyl in his residence. The man was charged with not only trafficking in fentanyl, but also with destruction of evidence and resisting arrest without violence.
Possession Or Distribution Punished Harshly
Fentanyl is a drug that has become more popular in recent years, particularly in Florida and other southern states. It is a Schedule II controlled substance, used legitimately for pain relief in those with serious chronic pain – but it is often used illegally as a replacement or an ‘upgrade’ for vicodin or heroin. While fentanyl’s power is often the subject of misinformation – for example, it is not possible to overdose on fentanyl via skin absorption – it should still be taken very seriously, and possession or sale of it is harshly punished.
Because of the number of overdoses and crimes tied to the distribution of fentanyl, those trafficking in the substance, like the Daytona Beach man, will face first-degree felony charges. Even simple possession of fentanyl will be tried as a third-degree felony, which can carry up to 5 years in jail and 5 years’ probation, plus fines and costs. The substance is simply considered too dangerous to treat lightly.
If You Are Charged
If you find yourself in a similar position to the Daytona Beach man, know that you may face significant jail time if you are convicted. Fentanyl has the potential to ruin lives, and in a state like Florida where drug offenses are seen as crimes against society, being charged with possessing or selling it will be seen as particularly serious. However, if there are extenuating circumstances in your situation, know that you do have the right to assert a defense to these charges.
Some of the most common defenses to drug possession charges are procedural – one of the most often used is to argue that law enforcement lacked the standing to search the premises where evidence was found, which would render any evidence seized inadmissible if believed. Another common argument is attempting to show that you lacked control or possession over the illegal substance – a person must be shown to have properly possessed drugs in order to be charged for it.
Contact A West Palm Beach Drug Offenses Attorney
While it remains to be seen what will befall the man arrested in Daytona Beach, you need to act quickly to protect your rights if you have been charged with similar offenses. A West Palm Beach drug crimes attorney from Perlet & Shiner, P.A. should be your first call – we can help to protect your rights during the legal process. Contact our office today to speak to an attorney.
Source:
fox35orlando.com/news/florida-man-tried-to-dump-fentanyl-down-drain-during-drug-bust-deputies-say
