MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A convicted felon was arrested Thursday on drug trafficking charges after a long-term narcotics investigation by the Office of the State Attorney and Miami-Dade police.
Prosecutors said in a news release that Luis Manuel Charchabal, 53, was found in possession of 2.5 kilograms of suspected heroin and fentanyl.
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According to the news release, Charchabal knew how deadly fentanyl was and told detectives that if he wanted to see it work, he would give a small dose to someone he didn't like to "watch them fall."
Prosecutors said Fentanyl is 50 to 80 times stronger than heroin and is so potent that an amount the size of three grains of sugar can kill the average adult.
"Selling fentanyl is selling death by a different name," State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said. "The opioid epidemic that America, Florida and Miami-Dade County are all experiencing is made possible by those individuals who see illegal profits as more important than human life.
"In this community, we will continue to fight such drug dealers on the streets and work to end addiction through our drug court. Working hand-in-hand with the Miami-Dade Police Department, we have potentially saved thousands of lives with this superb investigation. These officers deserve the thanks of the entire community."
Authorities said fentanyl is cheap to produce and is often mixed with heroin or sold as heroin on the streets.
"The Miami-Dade Police Department's primary concern is for the safety and security of our residents," Miami-Dade Police Department Director Juan J. Perez said. "Illegal opioids have had a deadly impact on our community.
"This case serves as just one example of the ongoing efforts of Narcotics Bureau detectives, who will continue to work diligently, together with our law enforcement partners, to prevent additional overdose tragedies related to this poison. Working with our community, we will overcome the opioid epidemic that has plagued the entire country."
Charchabal is charged with three counts of illegal trafficking in heroin and three counts of possession of fentanyl with intent to deliver.