Police in Florida executed a search warrant on the afternoon of June 16 at a Fort Meyers home that was allegedly being used to distribute drugs. Two local men were taken into custody without incident at the scene. A 22-year-old Lehigh Acres man attempted to flee from police in a Nissan sedan. The chase was short as the man crashed after traveling only a few blocks. He was apprehended after a brief foot pursuit according to reports. The operation was organized by the Fort Myers Police Department.
The search of the alleged drug house reportedly led to the discovery of almost 21 grams of crack cocaine, an undisclosed number of prescription pills, 19 ecstasy tablets and about 44 grams of a substance believed to be marijuana. Police also claim to have recovered more than $18,000 in U.S. custody, a handgun and large quantities of pistol and rifle ammunition.
A 43-year-old man has been charged with drug possession and drug possession with the intent to distribute. He faces a sentencing enhancement because he allegedly sold drugs less than 1,000 feet from a park. His bond has been set at $61,500. A 58-year-old man faces charges of possessing drug paraphernalia and possessing a controlled substance without a legitimate prescription. He was released after posting a $6,500 bond. Initial reports don’t reveal what charges the man who allegedly tried to flee the scene will face.
The key pieces of evidence in cases like this one are usually items recovered during police searches. However, prosecutors can only prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt when this evidence is admissible in court. When a client is accused of committing drug offenses, an experienced criminal defense attorney might seek to have seized items excluded and narcotics charges dismissed if police possibly acted improperly and violated rights against unreasonable search and seizure.