Jose Duarte, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Florida 2013

A massive methamphetamine bust shook the streets of Tampa, Florida, as law enforcement agencies collaborated to seize over 12 pounds of the highly addictive substance. The operation led to the charging of Jose Duarte, a.k.a. 'Margarito Garcia-Camacho' (45), a Mexican national residing in Highlands County, Ivan Cabrerra-Pineda, a.k.a. 'Costancio' (41), a Mexican national residing in Charlotte County, and Brittnay Farabee (23), of Charlotte County, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine.

According to the Complaint, on August 19, 2013, Duarte was approached by law enforcement at his residence in Lake Placid, Florida, and admitted to being illegally in the United States after having been deported. He also admitted that he had been involved in the purchasing and selling of methamphetamine. Later, on that same date, investigators observed the delivery of approximately 5.4 pounds of methamphetamine from Cabrera-Pineda and Farabee to Duarte.

The individuals were then taken into custody. A subsequent search was conducted at Farabee's residence, in Punta Gorda, where an additional seven pounds of methamphetamine was seized by law enforcement.

A Complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Border Patrol, the Hardee County Sheriff's Office, the Desoto County Sheriff's Office, and the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kathy J.M. Peluso.

Jose Duarte, Ivan Cabrerra-Pineda, and Brittnay Farabee face a maximum penalty of life in federal prison if convicted on all counts. The defendants are currently awaiting trial.

The operation highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat the trafficking of illicit substances in Florida and nationwide.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/over-12-pounds-methamphetamine-seized-multiple-law-enforcement-agency-operation