CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. – An undercover operation conducted by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) on Friday afternoon, concluded with the seizure of 226 grams of methamphetamine and 104 grams of fentanyl and resulting in the arrest of 49-year-old Robert Paul Kowanko and 37-year-old Sean Thomas Joyce, both of Port Charlotte.
According to investigators, CCSO’s Tactical Impact Unit (TIU) learned Kowanko, who resides in Port Charlotte, Florida, was involved in the sale and delivery of large quantities of methamphetamine within Citrus County.
Friday afternoon, TIU detectives conducted a covert operation and purchased a large quantity of methamphetamine from Kowanko.
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Kowanko traveled from Port Charlotte, Florida with his associate, Sean Thomas Joyce, to deliver approximately 1/2 pound of methamphetamine.
A controlled purchase was made from Kowanko resulting in the seizure of approximately 226 grams of methamphetamine.
A short time later, Kowanko and Joyce were arrested in the parking lot of the Denny’s restaurant in Crystal River by TIU detectives, with the assistance of K9 Deputy Miller and K9 Deputy Danner.
Kowanko was found in possession of approximately 59 grams of fentanyl, while Joyce was found in possession of approximately 45 grams of fentanyl, as well as 1 gram of crack cocaine.
Multiple items of paraphernalia were also recovered from the vehicle driven by Kowanko. The amount of fentanyl seized during this investigation has the potential to kill approximately 52,000 adults.
“Our agency will continue to fight against and protect our residents from these deadly substances,” said Sheriff Prendergast. “It is important to stop illicit narcotics from being brought into our county. The TIU’s dedication to halting the distribution train into Citrus County is truly commendable, and thanks to their hard work we have two fewer dealers and a large amount of deadly fentanyl and methamphetamine off our streets.”
Robert Paul Kowanko, of Port Charlotte, FL, was charged with trafficking methamphetamine over 200 grams, trafficking fentanyl over 28 grams, sale of methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a place of worship, illegal use of a 2-way communication device, and possession of paraphernalia. He is on a no-bond status.
Sean Thomas Joyce, of Port Charlotte, FL, was charged with trafficking methamphetamine over 200 grams, trafficking fentanyl over 28 grams, sale of methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a place of worship, possession of crack cocaine, illegal use of a 2-way communication device, and possession of paraphernalia. He is also on a no-bond status.
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