Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg has announced a significant conviction in the fight against drug trafficking. U.S. District Judge William F. Jung found 37-year-old Tampa resident Enock Edouard guilty on multiple counts, including conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute these drugs, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and criminal contempt. The verdict came after a detailed bench trial, and Edouard now faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years in federal prison, with his sentencing hearing yet to be scheduled.
Extensive Drug Trafficking Operation
The evidence presented at trial revealed that from 2021 to 2023, Edouard was deeply involved in a drug trafficking network that spanned the Middle District of Florida and extended to California.
The operation primarily dealt with methamphetamine and fentanyl, which were originally sourced from Mexico. These drugs were then transported to California, concealed within car tires, before being shipped or carried over to Orlando and Tampa for distribution.
Edouard played a crucial role in this network, handling significant sums of money and coordinating the logistics of the drug trafficking operation. He personally traveled to California to purchase narcotics and organized the concealment of these drugs in boxes and suitcases to facilitate their distribution across Florida.
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During the trial, a co-conspirator testified, referring to Edouard as “the only person between me and the cartels,” and disclosed that Edouard had sold him over 300 kilograms of methamphetamine in less than ten months.
Arrest and Seizures
Law enforcement officials arrested Edouard in Las Vegas. Subsequent searches, including one at his apartment in downtown Tampa, led to the discovery of additional quantities of fentanyl and a firearm. In total, the operation resulted in the seizure of 15 firearms, 2 hand grenades, more than 25 kilograms of methamphetamine, and over $80,000 in cash from Edouard and his associates.
Coordinated Law Enforcement Effort
This case was part of a broader Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation, which aims to target, disrupt, and dismantle high-level criminal organizations that pose a threat to national security and public safety. The OCDETF uses a multi-agency approach, combining intelligence and resources from various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
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The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Tampa Police Department, and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation, with Assistant United States Attorneys Michael R. Kenneth and Diego F. Novaes leading the prosecution. This coordinated effort underscores the commitment of U.S. law enforcement to tackling major drug trafficking operations and reducing the availability of illegal narcotics in the community.
