South Florida Gun and Drug Crackdown Yields 31 Arrests, 80 Firearms Seized
Guns and drugs are found in many parts of Florida. Large amounts of these items are illegal and threaten the safety of communities. Because of these threats, law enforcement agencies often implement stings and crackdowns to get those who break the law behind bars.
U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne of the Southern District of Florida and ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Gordon Mallory announced the results of Operation Showdown, a two-month, multi-agency crackdown targeting repeat offenders in South Florida.
Launched in April, Operation Showdown is a coordinated enforcement initiative led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to combat violent crime and illegal gun trafficking. ATF agents from across the country teamed up with local and federal law enforcement to provide tactical, technical, and undercover support.
So far, the operation has led to federal charges and arrests of 31 people from Miami-Dade and Broward counties for firearms and drug trafficking offenses. Authorities seized 80 firearms, including automatic weapons, rifles, handguns, and conversion devices. They also seized 900 rounds of ammunition and 10 kilograms of illegal narcotics such as fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, crack, and oxycodone.
The Special Agent in Charge stated that this initiative produced long-term results and that the ATF remains committed to removing violent offenders and illegal weapons from Florida neighborhoods. These efforts wouldn’t be possible without the strong partnerships between federal and local agencies.
Operation Showdown was supported by the U.S. Marshals Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Broward Sheriff’s Office, Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, and Fort Lauderdale Police Department. Federal prosecutions are being coordinated by the U.S. Attorney’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section.
Common Firearm Offenses in Florida
Here are some of the most frequently charged firearm-related crimes in Florida:
- Felon in possession of a firearm. It is illegal for a convicted felon to own or possess a firearm under both state and federal law. The penalty is up to 15 years in prison and you can receive a 3 year minimum mandatory sentence if you actually possessed the firearm.
- Carrying a concealed firearm without a permit. Carrying a hidden firearm on your person without a valid concealed carry license is a crime. This is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison.
- Using a firearm in the commission of a crime. Using or displaying a gun while committing another felony increases penalties. Mandatory minimum sentences come into play and may include 10 years in prison just for possessing the gun, 20 years in prison for discharging the gun, or 25 years to life if the bullet struck someone after discharging the gun.
- Discharging a firearm in public. Firing a gun in public places, including highways or residential neighborhoods, is generally illegal. This can be a first-degree misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances.
Contact Us Today
Probation allows people who have committed crimes to remain in the community under the supervision of a probation officer, provided they adhere to certain conditions. Violating any of these conditions may result in severe legal consequences.
A Fort Myers gun or firearms attorney from Hollander & Hanuka is here to protect your rights and defend you in court. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys understand the complexities of these cases, or probation violations involving these types of cases and can help you navigate the legal system to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. To schedule a consultation, call (239) 332-3300 or fill out the online form.
Source:
justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/dozens-charged-south-florida-federal-firearms-and-drug-trafficking-crimes-80-firearms
