Recently, the Fort Myers Police Department obtained and executed two search warrants that reportedly resulted from an investigation focusing on street drug sales. As a result, five people were arrested and cash and drugs were purportedly seized. The five targeted individuals are facing a round of drug possession charges.
With the first search warrant, police claim they seized over $1,100 in cash and a little less than nine ounces of marijuana. The search resulted in the arrests of two individuals, 19 and 22, both from Fort Myers. The 19-year-old was arrested for having less than 20 grams of marijuana in his possession. The 22-year-old was arrested for alleged marijuana possession with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of school, as well as the alleged possession of drug paraphernalia, the nature of which was not described.
The second search warrant resulted in three arrests after reportedly seizing marijuana, Ecstasy MDMA, as well as one 45-caliber semi-automatic handgun. A 33-year-old man was arrested for alleged marijuana possession with the intent to sell as well as alleged drug paraphernalia possession. An 18-year-old was arrested for alleged MDMA trafficking, and a 16-year-old was charged with marijuana possession with the intent to sell, drug paraphernalia possession and convicted felon possession of a firearm.
While some of these individuals face more serious allegations than others, all will have to defend themselves in upcoming criminal proceedings. And when drug charges are combined with gun charges, the consequences can become severe if a conviction is obtained. All of the accused individuals are entitled to the same legal protections that apply to all people accused of a crime in Fort Myers and throughout Florida. While drug possession charges could result in significant penalties upon a conviction, the burden of proof is exclusively on the prosecution to prove each and every element of the crimes charged beyond a reasonable doubt before an impartial court.
Source: WINK News, “5 arrested in 2 Fort Myers drug busts,” June 13, 2012
