Operation My Brothers Keeper: What Drug-Trafficking Defendants Should Watch in 2026
A recent drug enforcement sweep conducted by multiple Florida agencies, with support from the federal government, shows that the authorities will aggressively investigate and prosecute these offenses. A Florida drug trafficking defense lawyer at Alers Law Firm can defend you from these charges.
The Osceola Sheriff’s Department recently concluded a large-scale action to address the fentanyl crisis in the central part of the state. Law enforcement continues to crack down on drug trafficking throughout the state, and this may result in aggressive charges against those who are arrested. You must mount your own defense against these charges in the hopes of either successfully fighting them or achieving the best possible legal outcome.
Since mandatory minimum sentences can apply to your charges, you should not take any chances. Reach out to a Florida criminal defense attorney at Alers Law Firm by calling us at (407) 930-4888 to learn more about what you are facing and to defend yourself against the charges.
Florida Is Stepping Up Enforcement of Fentanyl-Related Laws
In March 2025, authorities made 26 arrests as a result of Operation My Brothers Keeper. The Osceola Sheriff’s Department led the investigation, receiving support from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Office of Statewide Prosecution. The operation resulted in the seizure of more than 1,300 grams of fentanyl.
Florida is not just going after those whom it suspects are lower-level street dealers. Operation My Brothers Keeper was one of many recent enforcement efforts that involved multiple agencies that attempted to dismantle suspected drug-trafficking organizations. The state has prioritized fentanyl and synthetic opioids because those substances have been to blame for the most overdoses in Florida.
What Is Considered Drug Trafficking in Florida?
As a defendant, you must understand the severity of drug trafficking charges. Merely being arrested in possession of certain amounts of drugs can lead to trafficking charges because the prosecutor can infer an intent to traffic based on the volume of drugs. Florida Statutes §893.135 is a quantity-based law that can automatically lead to trafficking charges under certain circumstances. The following drug trafficking thresholds apply to certain substances:
- Cocaine: 28 grams+
- Heroin/fentanyl: 4 grams+
- Methamphetamine: 14 grams+
- Oxycodone: 7 grams+
Drug trafficking convictions carry serious penalties. Under Florida law, jail time is tiered based on the amount of the substance that you are found to have possessed. For fentanyl, the following sentences apply:
- For 4g – 14g, 3 to 30 years in prison
- For 14g – 28g, 15 to 30 years
- For 28g, 25 years to life
When you see the lower end of the sentencing ranges, know that it is the mandatory minimum sentence. In other words, if you are convicted of drug trafficking, you will go to jail. The judge does not have discretion to suspend the sentence or mandate probation instead of jail time. This raises the stakes of any drug trafficking charges.
In addition to knowing about potential penalties, you must also be aware of the fact that prosecutors are using Florida’s Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) to prosecute drug-related offenses. RICO allows prosecutors to file charges based on your alleged membership in an organization. A RICO conviction can mean a prison sentence of up to 30 years and forfeiture of any assets that are connected with the enterprise. There is also a federal RICO law with similarly harsh penalties.
Defenses to Drug Trafficking Charges in Florida
The potential penalties make it vital that you mount a strong defense to the charges against you. A Florida drug trafficking lawyer can negotiate with the prosecutor in an attempt to obtain a sentence that is at the lower end of the range (you will not be able to avoid prison). They can also challenge the charges against you by arguing the following:
- You did not have actual or constructive possession of the drugs that were at issue
- The evidence that is being used against you in your case was seized in violation of your rights
- You possessed drugs, but the amount did not meet the weight threshold for drug trafficking
- Law enforcement entrapped you into committing the crime, negating any intent that you were required to have
Contact a Drug Trafficking Defense Law Firm in Florida
If you have been charged with drug trafficking, schedule an immediate appointment to speak with a drug crimes attorney in Florida at Alers Law Firm. There is too much at stake to delay or try to go it alone. Call us today at (407) 930-4888 or message us online to speak and begin preparing your legal defense.
