A narcotics investigation in eastern Florida led to the arrest of at least 32 people according to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. A BCSO representative said that some of the drugs that the suspects are accused of distributing were brought into Brevard County from Miami. During the course of the investigation, which is said to have lasted for several months, investigators claim to have seized about $55,000 in U.S. currency, eight guns and undisclosed quantities of cocaine, heroin and fentanyl.
Electronic surveillance
Many of the individuals taken into custody in connection with the drug investigation had been under surveillance for some time. After identifying persons of interest, the BCSO obtained search warrants to monitor their phone and text communications. Court documents are said to reveal that suspects can be heard speaking openly about drug distribution on surveillance tapes. Investigators then traced the phone numbers of people who contacted the suspects to compile a list of drug purchasers.
Drug possession, trafficking and conspiracy counts
Many of the individuals taken into custody at the conclusion of the investigation are accused of committing serious drug crimes and face decades behind bars. A 31-year-old Rockledge man faces the most serious charges. He has been charged with felony counts of methamphetamine trafficking, heroin distribution, conspiracy to distribute drugs, methamphetamine and heroin possession, possessing methamphetamine with the intent to deliver and using a two-way radio in the furtherance of drug trafficking activities. His bond has been set at $940,000.
Remaining calm during drug sweeps
Law enforcement tends to cast a wide net when wrapping up investigations like this one. However, not all of the people taken into custody during such operations are subsequently convicted. This is why experienced criminal defense attorneys may urge individuals rounded up in sweeping police actions to remain calm and ask for a lawyer. After studying the evidence gathered by law enforcement and the manner in which it was obtained, attorneys may provide defendants with a clearer picture of the situation and advise them about their legal options.
