Six People, Heroin Trafficking, Florida 2017

Six People Sentenced in Heroin Trafficking Conspiracy

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA - In a recent crackdown on heroin trafficking, six residents of the Gainesville/Ocala area were sentenced for conspiring to distribute heroin and other drug-related charges.

The defendants, who were responsible for more than one kilogram (2.2 pounds) of heroin in the conspiracy, were sentenced in 2017 and 2016. The exact dates of sentencing were not provided.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida prosecuted the heroin and other drug-related offenses. The office has been working to educate the community about the dangers of heroin and opioid abuse, as well as to bring to justice those who peddle these substances.

According to Attorney General Sessions, a record 52,000 Americans lost their lives to drug overdoses in 2015. For Americans under the age of 50, drug overdoses are now the leading cause of death. Based on preliminary data, approximately 64,000 Americans lost their lives to drug overdoses last year.

During this week and beyond, Americans can learn more about the disease of addiction, join with community members to support evidence-based prevention and treatment programs, and stand with those who are suffering or recovering from a substance use disorder to let them know they are not alone.

What can you do to help? Talk to your family, friends, colleagues, and community about the dangers of heroin and opioid abuse. It can happen to anyone. Contact law enforcement officers if you suspect drug-related activity in your area.

The U.S. Attorney's Office has been working to educate the community about the dangers of heroin and opioid abuse through various programs, including opioid overdose and reversal training and film screenings. The office has also partnered with other law enforcement agencies to host screenings of the film "Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict" to educate students on the dangers of opiate abuse.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl/pr/north-floridians-warned-opioid-abuse