It is about a two-hour drive straight north of Fort Myers to Hillsborough County. That is where law enforcement officials recently announced the conclusion of an investigation into alleged drug trafficking in the Tampa area.
“Operation Fall Harvest” resulted in dozens of arrests and the seizure of what an area TV station described as hundreds of pounds of marijuana, as well as synthetic marijuana known as Spice.
Hillsborough County deputies told the TV station reporter that they had received multiple anonymous tips about marijuana and Spice distribution operations. Cops eventually made a two-pronged series of arrests.
In the first, they seized 7,200 packages of Spice, totaling 150 pounds.
They also seized 222 pounds of Damiana leaves; an herb used to manufacture Spice. In addition, police confiscated more than $10,000 in cash.
In another part of the same operation, officials found six grow houses in which they reported finding 481 marijuana plants. They also said they found and seized an addtional 24.5 pounds of processed pot. The total confiscated is estimated to be worth about $1.4 million on the street, police said.
Officers also seized 10 firearms and slightly more than $97,000 in cash while making an undisclosed number of arrests, according to the TV report.
Those accused of selling illegal drugs here in Fort Myers know that they face the potential of spending years behind bars if they are convicted. Before speaking with police or prosecutors, they can talk with an experienced criminal defense attorney devoted to protection of rights and freedom.