Drug Bust Leads to Arrest of 15 in Datyona Beach

An undercover drug investigation into the sales of marijuana and cocaine captured 15 people in Daytona Beach during the September 15th and 16th. One subject was in possession of more than $400 in cash along with a total of 17 grams of illegal drugs, cocaine and marijuana. The man would not exit his vehicle, so officers broke a window to arrest him. A second suspect was in possession of 30 baggies of marijuana at the time of his arrest. A woman with an infant was arrested for child abuse after she watched a drug transaction while she held the child. Her baby was given to the suspect’s mother.

Strict drug laws in the state of Florida are addressed in the Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act. The law covers misdemeanors and felonies and specific crimes, such as possession, drug sales and trafficking. If drug crimes are committed across state lines, the federal government takes over jurisdiction. Federal penalties for drug crimes are usually harsher than those given for state offenses and include more time in custody and higher fines.

Florida drug laws group all drugs into schedules ranging from Schedule I to Schedule V. Schedule I drugs are the most addictive with the highest potential for abuse while Schedule V drugs are the least addictive, have the lowest abuse potential and are used in medical applications.

The penalties for drug crimes depend on a variety of factors. For examples, misdemeanors at the state level typically receive a maximum jail term of up to 365 days and a maximum fine of $1,000. A third degree felony in the state can receive a prison term of up to five years and a maximum fine of $5,000 while a first degree felony can receive a maximum prison sentence of 30 years and fines of up to $10,000. However, the courts recognize the value of rehabilitation, especially for first-time offenders.