Three Florida men have pleaded guilty to orchestrating a significant drug trafficking conspiracy involving fentanyl, a fentanyl analog, and methamphetamine, United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced today. The pleas mark a major victory for law enforcement in the fight against dangerous narcotics in the Sunshine State.
Bradley D. Burch, 34, of Apopka, Ronald E. Hubbard Jr., 37, also of Apopka, and Douglas E. Arnett Jr., 33, of Orlando, all admitted their roles in the illicit operation. Burch faces a minimum of 15 years and up to life in federal prison, while Hubbard and Arnett each face a minimum of 10 years and up to life.
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According to court documents and plea agreements, throughout 2023, undercover agents conducted multiple controlled purchases of powder fentanyl, counterfeit fentanyl pills, and methamphetamine directly from Burch. In several instances, Hubbard, Arnett, or both supplied the drugs to Burch for these transactions.
The widespread conspiracy resulted in the distribution of nearly 2 kilograms of methamphetamine and over 350 grams of fentanyl or fentanyl analog mixtures. Adding to the gravity of Burch’s offenses, he also pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, with firearms reportedly present during some of the illicit deals.
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This successful bust was the result of a collaborative investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Apopka Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman is prosecuting the case.
This case falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice initiative designed to reduce violent crime and gun violence by fostering cooperation between law enforcement and communities.
The Department strengthened its PSN strategy in May 2021, emphasizing community trust, violence prevention, strategic enforcement, and measurable results. The convictions of Burch, Hubbard, and Arnett underscore the ongoing commitment to making Florida neighborhoods safer.
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