Bradenton Police Arrest 58 in Drug Bust
An extensive investigation spanning over the course of four months and involving an array of state, local, and federal law enforcement officers resulted in a large-scale drug bust this month in Bradenton, Florida. All told, 58 individuals were charged with a variety of felony and misdemeanor drug charges. The operation also led to the execution of an additional six search warrants. In total, there were 81 felony counts and 75 misdemeanor accounts combined filed against the 58 individuals.
The bust was a coordinated effort across a large number of entities. According to a statement issued by the Bradenton Police Department, they received assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, the 12th District Judicial State Attorney’s Office, the Multi-Agency Gang Task Force, and other state and local agencies.
The operation began in October of 2018. The purpose was to target vice and narcotic crimes in and around Bradenton. The arrests primarily occurred at locations with a prior reputation of drug trafficking.
At the end of the operation, the total haul was notable. Officers seized 12 vehicles, 12 guns, and more than $12,000 in cash at the time the warrants were executed. The officers also seized a large amount of narcotics, including 151.4 grams of Heroin, 101.8 grams of methamphetamine, 54.3 grams of cocaine, 171.7 grams of prescription drugs, 239.5 grams of synthetic marijuana, and 315 grams of marijuana. The odds are good that these arrests will lead to additional prosecutions in the future. For those arrested, the potential penalties they face could impact them for the rest of their lives.
Fighting Back Against Drug Charges
For many, being placed under arrest and charged with a drug possession makes it feel like a conviction is inevitable. Nothing could be further from the truth. In every drug possession case, it is up to the prosecutor to prove beyond a reasonable doubt every element of the crime. In many cases, that is a burden the prosecutor is unable to meet. Officers make mistakes and witnesses get confused; if this type of error occurs in your case it could be the key to your freedom. But even the most favorable circumstances might not be enough to win you your freedom without an experienced drug crimes attorney at your side. An attorney will review the facts of your case in an attempt to discover any weaknesses in the state’s case. In some circumstances, an attorney may be able to have the charges against you reduced or even dismissed entirely.
Hiring an Experienced Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been arrested on charges of drug possession, you probably feel overwhelmed. Thankfully, an experienced drug possession attorney can take some of the stress off your shoulders by guiding you through the criminal justice system. Omar Abdelghany is an experienced Tampa criminal defense attorney that is ready to fight your constitutional rights. To discuss the merits of your case with Omar, contact the OA Law Firm today for your free consultation.
