Two arrested on drug charges, over 9 grams of heroin found

Charlotte County, FL-

February of 2020, a 9-1-1 call was received reporting a suspected overdose at a residence on Laverne Street. Road patrol deputies responded and EMS transported the victim to a local hospital.

During the same time frame, neighbors from the community began reporting suspicious activity during the day and night time hours. The information received from various neighbors was consistent with narcotic activity.

The CCSO Narcotics unit began actively investigating this residence leading to the search warrant executed on May 20, 2020. Prior to the execution of the search warrant, deputies arrived at the home in reference to a disturbance. There were multiple occupants of the home who were searched and detained until the conclusion of the search warrant. At this time, deputies located 3.5 grams of heroin/fentanyl inside the pocket of Dennis Stover (8/12/80).

As deputies arrived and announced their presence, the home was secured except for one locked door within the home. Forced entry was made into the room where Alan Benner (9/16/1978) was located. Inside this room, deputies located a box that contained 1.34 grams of heroin/fentanyl, numerous plastic baggies, 2 digital scales, and over $800 in US currency. While continuing the search, a loaded hypodermic syringe, and fentanyl powder were also located.

In total, approximately 9 grams of heroin/fentanyl were recovered from inside the house, doubling the trafficking amount.

Since January, we have seen a total of 42 overdoses, including 9 being fatal.

According to www.drugs.com it only takes about 2 or 3 miligrams of fentanyl to be considered a lethal dose.

Per Florida State Statute, subjects on scene of an overdose do not face drug charges in hope they will not be afraid to call 9-1-1 and save someone’s life.

Drugs have a major impact on crime and we know that we can not arrest our way out of the drug crisis. Sheriff Bill Prummell recognizes that addiction is a disease and those suffering in our community need help. Those seeking assistance can bring their user amount of drugs to any district office or call deputies to their location. Through a partnership with Charlotte Behavioral Health Care​, deputies will bring that person to detox free of charge, without fear of arrest.

Drug activity can be reported to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office at 941-639-0013 or by placing an anonymous tip via our mobile app. The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to removing illegal drugs off our streets and putting dealers behind bars.

Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office: 941-639-0013
Charlotte Behavioral Health Care (CBHC): 941-639-8300
CBHC Crisis Line: 941-575-0222