On January 11, 2018, Charlotte County deputies responded to two separate overdose incidents involving heroin in Punta Gorda. The overdose calls occurred during the 3:00pm hour and were within 2 miles of each other. In both cases, Charlotte County EMS personnel responded and utilized NARCAN for lifesaving measures. Due to the close proximity and similar narcotics involved with the overdoses, detectives with the Narcotics Unit responded to investigate.
Narcotics detectives began a thorough investigation, and were able to identify the suspected dealer of the heroin as Charles Andre (11/17/1984) of Punta Gorda, FL. Detectives obtained and served a search warrant on Andre’s residence at 4725 Knollwood Drive in Punta Gorda at approximately 10:00pm. Due to the potential for fentanyl-laced heroin inside the residence, members of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Methamphetamine Investigative Group also responded. These deputies are specially trained to collect and safely dispose of high hazard and volatile materials (such as the dangerous drug Fentanyl).
Two subjects were located inside the residence, Charles Andre and Christopher Andre (6/21/1988). A search of the residence yielded the following:
- Multiple baggies containing methamphetamine with a total weight of approximately 19.8 grams
- Multiple containers containing THC Oil/Crystals with a total weight of approximately 106.9 grams
- Multiple baggies containing Cannabis with a total weight of approximately 226.25 grams
- Multiple baggies containing Cocaine with a total weight of approx. 35.1 grams
- Baggie containing Alprazalam with a total weight of approx. 5.6 grams
- Baggie containing Lorazopam with a total weight of approx. 1.5 grams
- 16 Suboxone Patches
- 4 (suspected) Klonopine tablets
Multiple empty baggies, smoking devices and other items of drug paraphernalia were also inside the residence. A handgun was located during the search in close proximity to Charles Andre’s location upon the search warrant entry (Charles Andre is a convicted felon.) Unidentified materials, suspected to be Fentanyl, will collected to be tested for Fentanyl at a later date.
Based on the location of evidence within the home, and statements made by both suspects, both were arrested and separate charges.
Christopher Andre’s Charges:
- Possession of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine)
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Charles Andre’s Charges:
- Trafficking in a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine)
- Trafficking in a Controlled Substance (Cocaine)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance w/o a Prescription (Five Counts; THC Oil, Alprazolam, Suboxone, Lorazopam, Klonopine)
- Possession of Cannabis over 20 grams (226.25)
- Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Governor Scott has declared a public health crisis in Florida related to rising deaths due to opioid abuse. Sheriff Prummell is working to eliminate drug addiction in our community through the Drug Recovery Initiative. Through this initiative, those seeking assistance can bring their user amount of drugs to any district office or call deputies to your location. Through partnership with Charlotte Behavioral Health Care, deputies will bring the caller to detox free of charge, without fear of arrest.
Anonymous tips about dealers or drug use in your area can be submitted online by visiting www.ccso.org.