Cocaine Haul

⏱ 2 min read

Leonard Ronald Nile Jr, a 53-year-old Melbourne man, was convicted of transporting nearly 4 kilograms of cocaine to Brevard County. The haul, worth around $60,000, was part of a larger operation that also involved almost 30 pounds of marijuana. Nile’s run came to an end after a high-speed chase with the Florida Highway Patrol, which ended with his arrest and the seizure of the drugs.

The DEA had been surveilling Nile and a co-conspirator as they picked up the drugs in south Florida. After attempting a traffic stop, Nile led troopers on a wild chase, reaching speeds of over 140 mph. The pursuit ended when troopers executed a precision immobilization technique, disabling the vehicle.

Nile then fled on foot but was quickly apprehended by a police K9 and several law enforcement officers. The cocaine and marijuana were recovered from the vehicle, and Nile was charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

Nile faces a minimum of 5 years and up to 40 years in federal prison on each count. His sentencing hearing is set for June 23, 2026. The case was investigated by the DEA, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, and the West Melbourne Police Department.

The conviction is a significant blow to cocaine trafficking in Brevard County, and law enforcement officials are hailing it as a major victory in the war on drugs. Nile’s case will now move to the sentencing phase, where he will learn his fate.