⏱ 2 min read
Phillip Washington III, a 33-year-old from Marion County, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for possessing large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine in Ocala, Florida. On May 13, 2024, the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST) executed a search warrant on Washington’s residence, where they found 3,034 grams of methamphetamine, 885 grams of fentanyl, and 302 grams of cocaine. The search also revealed multiple scales and other items consistent with the packaging and distribution of controlled substances.
The investigation, led by the DEA and UDEST, uncovered a significant drug trafficking operation. Footage from Washington’s video-recorded security system showed him bringing a duffle bag containing the controlled substances into his residence. The evidence presented at trial led to Washington’s conviction on April 2, 2026.
Washington’s sentence reflects the severity of his crimes and the dangers of fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg, and U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber handed down the sentence.
The outcome of this case demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combating drug trafficking in Florida. The DEA and UDEST will continue to work together to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking operations, bringing those responsible to justice.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Drug Trafficking
- Defendant: Methamphetamine
- Location: US
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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