Millions in Fentanyl and Firearms Seized in Pasco County
Tampa, FL – A massive fentanyl trafficking operation was brought to a screeching halt last year, resulting in the seizure of a kilogram of the highly addictive synthetic opioid, over $400,000 in cash, and several firearms. Edwin Tyron Hill, a.k.a. ‘Z,’ and William Gaston, both residents of Pasco County, have been charged with conspiring to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
Hill, 47, of Holiday, and Gaston, 31, of Port Richey, face a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years and up to life in federal prison if convicted. A third individual, Nelson White, a.k.a. ‘Slug,’ 27, of Holiday, has also been charged with conspiracy and faces the same penalties if convicted.
According to court documents, DEA agents executed search warrants in two locations linked to Hill in late September 2018, resulting in substantial seizures of drugs, cash, and firearms. Agents also conducted a traffic stop of Hill’s associate, Nelson White, which added to the haul.
The indictment alleges that Hill and Gaston used the proceeds of their illicit activities to purchase a house in Pasco County, which the government intends to forfeit. The indictment also notifies the defendants that the government intends to forfeit over $400,000 in cash and three firearms, which are alleged to be proceeds of, or used in furtherance of, the offenses.
Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza will be prosecuting the case. The DEA and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office investigated the operation.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of fentanyl trafficking on communities across the country. The highly addictive synthetic opioid has been linked to thousands of overdose deaths in recent years.
The indictment charges Edwin Tyron Hill with conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and distribution of heroin and fentanyl. He is also charged with possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
If convicted, Edwin Tyron Hill faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years and up to life in federal prison. William Gaston and Nelson White each face a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years and up to life in federal prison.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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