After serving a warrant, police have arrested three members of a family living on Stock Island on drug charges. Police from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and several other law enforcement agencies, including the Key West police department and Homeland Security, searched the family’s mobile trailers in conjunction with the arrests. They say they found large quantities of a number of drugs, including cocaine, crack cocaine and Xanax. During the search, they also say they discovered more than $75,000 in cash and 500 undersized lobster tails.
The cash and illegal drugs were allegedly hidden around the property, and the police spent an extended period of time on the search. Police obtained a warrant for the compound, which consists of two trailers, after one of the men allegedly sold cocaine to an undercover operative. Two of the men were arrested at the compound. The third was found later at an apartment building, and police say he was in possession of several hundred Oxycodone pills at the time.
All three men have been charged with drug trafficking. One of the men has additionally been charged with of possession of a controlled substance without a prescription as well as possession of the illegal lobster tails. They are being held on multimillion-dollar bonds. Two of the men have previously faced charges for trafficking cocaine.
A person charged with drug-related crimes may face serious consequences, such as prison time, if convicted. If anyone has been charged with a drug offense, a lawyer knowledgeable about the subject may be able to help. A lawyer can investigate the legality of search warrants and traffic stops. In some cases, they may be able to get reduced sentences or negotiate for punishment to include a drug diversion program rather than more serious penalties.
Source: Bradenton Herald, “Drug-running Florida Keys family busted with 17 pounds of cocaine, 500 lobster tails”, January 31, 2014