| Read Time: 2 minutes | Drug Charges

Drug offenses can be quite serious, especially when there is a large quantity of drugs involved. Being convicted of a drug crime can have serious consequences. According to Florida statute 893.135(1)(f), the sale, purchase, manufacture, delivery, or knowledgeable possession of more than 200 or more grams of meth is a 1st degree felony. The possible penalties include a 15-year prison sentence and a minimum mandatory fine of $250,000.

In what will go down as one of the largest methamphetamine busts in Florida in recent years, cops in Polk County seized a massive amount of meth and arrested 13 people on trafficking charges Wednesday. Twelve suspects remain at large. Operation Hoodoo Voodoo netted meth with a street value of $2 million, according to information released Wednesday in a press conference hosted by the Polk County sheriff.

Operation Hoodoo Voodoo was a lengthy, six-month local, state and federal investigation involving 25 suspected drug distributors, some of whom police say were stockpiling military-style guns. The investigation resulted in seizure of 44 pounds of methamphetamine and 106 weapons, as well as tactical gear, a grenade launcher, semiautomatic rifles, bulletproof vests and lots of ammunition.

According to police, the area of distribution for the meth included various counties in Central Florida, including Polk, Osceola, Orange and Seminole. Police says the drugs were being routed into the country from Mexico in a drug ring that spread from Lakeland, Florida, to Atlanta, Georgia, Las Vegas, Nevada, and California. The operation was given the name Operation Hoodoo Voodoo due to reports that the alleged ringleader of the organization consulted with a Voodoo priest in order to make decisions involving the organization.

Regardless of guilt or innocence, those facing criminal charges are entitled to the best possible criminal defense. Defendants should never allow their rights to be usurped, since everyone is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

Source: Bay New 9, “$2 million worth of meth seized in massive drug bust in Polk County” Saundra Weathers, Mar. 19, 2014

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Jay R. Rooth

Jay is an experienced and dedicated attorney. Whether you need help with a DUI or a more serious felony, Jay is ready to fight for you. Not only is Jay highly regarded by his peers, he’s also strongly recommended by his clients. Jay obtained his Law degree from Barry University Law School. Jay is a active member of the Orlando Chamber of Commerce, the Federalist Society, Florida Bar Association, the Orange County Bar Association, the Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys.

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