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Fentanyl Trafficking Charges: Juan Carlos Garcia found Guilty
Orlando, Florida – In a major blow to the city’s fight against narcotics, a federal jury has found Juan Carlos Garcia, 39, of Apopka, guilty of conspiracy and possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. The maximum penalty for Garcia’s crimes could be life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is currently set for January 6, 2023.
Garcia had been indicted on February 16, 2022. The verdict comes after a lengthy trial during which testimony and evidence presented at trial revealed Garcia’s involvement in a brazen fentanyl trafficking operation. According to the testimony, Garcia conspired with a co-defendant to drive to a gas station in Apopka and sell more than a kilogram of fentanyl for $33,000. Garcia drove the vehicle and brought a loaded handgun with him, while his co-defendant brought the drugs and set up the deal.
In coordination with the DEA, the Apopka Police Department conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, the loaded handgun was recovered from the center console and the package of drugs was found in the backseat. Both defendants were arrested without incident. The drugs were tested by the DEA laboratory and determined to be p-Fluorofentanyl, which is an analogue of fentanyl and is on Schedule I of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s schedules of controlled substances.
Garcia will also have to forfeit the handgun and ammunition which facilitated the drug trafficking offense. This case is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by fentanyl traffickers and the need for continued vigilance in the fight against narcotics.
The investigation into Garcia’s activities was a joint effort involving the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Apopka Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John M. Gardella and Courtney Richardson-Jones.
Garcia’s conviction is a significant victory for law enforcement and a testament to the tireless efforts of those working to keep our communities safe. As the investigation and prosecution of narcotics cases continue, it is clear that the consequences for those involved in fentanyl trafficking will be severe.
The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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