A Florida man has been sentenced to 70 months in prison for his role in a large-scale cocaine conspiracy that saw him distribute thousands of pounds of the illicit substance, as well as obstruct justice by attempting to destroy evidence.

MIGUEL GAMEZ, a 32-year-old man from Fort Meyers, Florida, was handed the 70-month sentence by Chief Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown, as well as a three-year term of supervised release following his imprisonment.

According to court records, GAMEZ pleaded guilty on June 21, 2017, to conspiring with others to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride, and to obstructing justice by attempting to destroy a cellular telephone.

The cocaine conspiracy, which spanned multiple jurisdictions, was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations.

U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser praised the work of the investigative team, saying the sentence ‘reflects the severity of the crime and the importance of holding accountable those who engage in large-scale narcotics trafficking.’

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution, which has resulted in a significant blow to the cocaine trade in the region.

The sentencing is a major victory for law enforcement, who have long sought to dismantle the complex networks of cocaine traffickers operating in Florida and beyond.

The case is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of cocaine use and trafficking on communities, and highlights the need for continued vigilance and enforcement efforts to combat this scourge.

GAMEZ’s sentence serves as a warning to those involved in narcotics trafficking: if caught, they will face severe consequences, including lengthy prison terms and significant fines.