Staff Reports
In New Port Richey, Florida, the consequences of drug trafficking have been made clear. Justin Kelly, a fentanyl trafficker, was recently sentenced to life in prison for distributing a sum of fentanyl that caused one man’s deadly overdose and had the potential to end 40,000 lives, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This sentence serves as a reminder of the severity of the consequences for those who choose to engage in drug trafficking.
A Fentanyl Supplier Got Life In Prison For A Deadly Overdose. He Could Have Killed Thousands https://t.co/c5ROwSuChc
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) March 10, 2023
Kelly enlisted drug addicts to sell fentanyl in Pasco County. He provided 40 grams of the drug to Steve Kinney, a dealer, who in turn passed it on to a married man with stepchildren. Sadly, this individual passed away in November 2020, while his stepchildren were sleeping in close proximity. Subsequent investigations by the police led to the discovery of additional fentanyl, a rifle, cash, kilogram presses, and scales in Kelly's motel room and a storage unit.
Armed fentanyl trafficker sentenced to life in prison for causing fatal overdose. @DEAMIAMIDiv @PascoSheriff @ATF_Tampa https://t.co/tJvlkXcuQx
— USAO Middle Florida (@USAO_MDFL) March 8, 2023
DeSantis Pledges Mandatory Life Sentence For Targeting Children With Fentanyl Resembling Candy https://t.co/QdKKkoUm6J
— US Burning (@UsBurning) January 26, 2023
According to the DEA, the lethal dosage of fentanyl varies depending on factors such as body weight, tolerance, and prior usage. Tragically, in 2021, approximately 71,238 individuals across the nation died from overdosing on synthetic opioids, representing a more than 20% rise from the prior year, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In January, Kinney pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intention to distribute fentanyl, and was sentenced to four years and nine months in federal prison. In November, Kelly was found guilty by a federal jury of distributing and conspiring to distribute fentanyl that resulted in death. A 15-year sentence was imposed on him for possession and distribution of fentanyl, as well as possessing a firearm.
During his State of the State speech, Republican Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, proposed treating fentanyl dealers as murderers and announced in January that the state would enforce a mandatory life sentence for those who target children with fentanyl designed to look like candy. It is promising to witness the state taking action to combat drug trafficking and safeguard its citizens from the lethal effects of this drug.
The recent sentencing of Justin Kelly should be a warning to all those who are considering engaging in drug trafficking. The consequences are severe, and no amount of money or power is worth risking your life or the lives of others. It is time for us to take a stand against drug trafficking and make sure that those who are engaging in this activity are held accountable for their actions.
