CITRUS COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – The Citrus County Sheriff Office arrested three people on charges of possessing large amounts of meth and fentanyl.
On Friday, Oct. 13., deputies executed a search warrant on a home in Dunnellon leading to the arrest of James Lauture, Jesse Tanis, and Megan Ames.
Detectives say they received information that Lauture was selling meth and fentanyl within the county. This led to a several-month investigation.
“Narcotics investigations, especially that of a larger scale operation, can be time-consuming and require hours of investigation in order to secure a successful outcome,” said Sheriff Mike Prendergast.
After searching the home located at 11830 North Gatlen Avenue, deputies say they found over 1,200 grams of meth, over 162 grams of fentanyl, over 6 grams of cocaine, over 350 grams of cannabis and 20.5 oxycodone pills. Deputies say they also found a firearm, multiple rounds of ammunition, drug paraphernalia, and $13,785 in cash.
“Thanks to the efforts of the Tactical Impact Unit, we were able to take a significant amount of fentanyl and methamphetamine off our streets – in fact, enough fentanyl was seized during this investigation to kill approximately 81,300 adults. Illicit drugs and those who deal in these dangerous substances have no place in our community,” added Prendergast.
CCSO shared in a Facebook post that Lauture is an eleven-time convicted felon. They arrested him on multiple charges including trafficking meth over 200 grams, trafficking fentanyl over 28 grams, three counts of possession of a controlled substance with the intent to sell, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He is being held on a $295,000 bond.
Tanis, who is a one-time convicted felon was arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance with the intent to sell. He is being held on a $5,000 bond.
Ames was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and is being held on a $2,000 bond.