In the past few years, Florida has experienced increased incidents of deaths from an overdose involving fentanyl. Fentanyl is a Schedule II synthetic opioid drug that is approximately 75 times stronger than morphine. Fentanyl has analogs that can be up to 100 times stronger than the drug itself. Other synthetic opioid compounds previously used as “research drugs” have shown up in Florida recently.
The problems with fentanyl occur not just with users, but these drugs are also dangerous to emergency responders and law enforcement. Even small amounts of fentanyl absorbed through the skin or inhaled can be lethal.
Florida Statute Section 893.135 prohibits trafficking in Fentanyl, as described in s. 893.03(2)(b)9. Trafficking four (4) or more grams of fentanyl or any mixture containing any substance described in 893.135(1)(c)(4)(I)-(VI), is a felony of the first degree punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. Under 893.135(1)(c)4.a. applies to any person who knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of, 4 grams or more of:
- Alfentanil, as described in s. 893.03(2)(b)1.;
- Carfentanil, as described in s. 893.03(2)(b)6.;
- Fentanyl, as described in s. 893.03(2)(b)9.;
- Sufentanil, as described in s. 893.03(2)(b)29.;
- A fentanyl derivative, as described in s. 893.03(1)(a)62.;
- A controlled substance analog, as described in s. 893.0356, of any substance described in sub-sub-subparagraphs (I)-(V); or
- A mixture containing any substance described in sub- sub-subparagraphs (I)-(VI).
Attorney for Trafficking in Fentanyl Crimes in Palm Beach County, FL
If you were charged with trafficking in fentanyl or a related substance such as Carfentanil, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in West Palm Beach, FL, at Meltzer & Bell, P.A.. Contact us to find out more about these serious drug crimes that are prosecuted in South Florida.
The drug defense attorneys at Meltzer & Bell, P.A. represent clients throughout Broward County, Palm Beach County and Miami-Dade County, FL. Let us put our experience to work for you.
Call (561) 557-8686 today.
Minimum Mandatory Penalties for Trafficking in Fentanyl
As explained in Florida Statute Section 893.135(1)(c)4.b., the quantity of fentanyl is:
- 4 grams or more, but less than 14 grams, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 3 years, and shall be ordered to pay a fine of $50,000;
- 14 grams or more, but less than 28 grams, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years, and shall be ordered to pay a fine of $100,000;
- 28 grams or more, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 25 years and shall be ordered to pay a fine of $500,000.
Additional Resources
DEA on Fentanyl – Visit the website of the Drug Enforcement Administration to learn more about fentanyl and fentanyl related compounds including carfentanil and acetyl fentanyl. The article explains crimes related to synthetic opioids and the dangers to first responders including law enforcement officers who can inadvertently come into contact with the deadly substance during a search or seizure. Find publications and news releases about fentanyl and trending facts.
This article was last updated on Thursday, March 22, 2017.
