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Florida Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Crack Cocaine Sales
In a major blow to the Highlands County drug trade, Nichiren Shoshu Smith, aka Nick Drop, a 48-year-old resident of Sebring, Florida, has been sentenced to 121 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for distribution of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, on multiple occasions between March and May 2023, Smith sold cocaine base, commonly known as crack cocaine, in Sebring. The sales were made on March 15, May 4, and May 17, 2023.
On May 19, 2023, law enforcement officers discovered over a kilogram of cocaine, approximately 115.5 grams of cocaine base, and more than $7,000 in Smith’s residence. Smith’s prior conviction for possession with intent to distribute cocaine base in the Southern District of Florida further highlights his extensive involvement in the drug trade.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division, and Sheriff Paul Blackman of the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon.
The DEA Miami Field Division and HCSO investigated the case, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Porter prosecuted it. The successful prosecution and sentencing of Smith serve as a deterrent to those involved in the Highlands County drug trade.
The sentence was handed down as part of an ongoing effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to combat drug trafficking in the region. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 23-cr-14038.
Nichiren Shoshu Smith’s sentence is a harsh reminder of the consequences of involvement in the Highlands County drug trade. His crime has been a thorn in the side of law enforcement, and his sentencing serves as a significant blow to the region’s illicit drug market.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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