Three individuals were detained in Florida after police allegedly seized guns, ammunition and street drugs from a home where the individuals were residing. Police were alerted to the possibility of drug sales happening in the home after neighbors complained. An undercover police officer was then sent in to purchase drugs from the home’s residents. Based on the evidence the police presented, a warrant was granted to search the home. Local Sarasota police and SWAT team members carried out the warrant in late February 2020.
As a result of the search, a 53-year-old man was detained and charged with selling cocaine within 1,000 feet of a church. A 27-year-old man was detained and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, drug possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana and carrying a concealed weapon. A 28-year-old woman was charged with possession of a legend drug.
An estimated 27 grams of MDMA, 11.5 grams of Gabapentin, .5 grams of Mirtazapine, .3 grams of crack cocaine and 8.8 grams of an unknown white powder were among the drugs seized. Scales and drug paraphernalia were also found. The weapons found included a .38 caliber Smith & Wesson revolver, a .380 KAHR semi-automatic pistol and a box of ammunition.
Those who are facing drug charges need to be aware that they have certain rights guaranteed to them in the Constitution. These rights were designed to protect individuals accused of a crime during the criminal justice process. Among these rights are protections against unreasonable search and seizures. Police must have a legally-obtained warrant before searching property. A defense lawyer may be able to help those with drug charges by looking over the details of the warrant. If it was not obtained legally, any evidence seized during the search might not be admissible in court. Without this evidence, the prosecution may be forced to drop the case.