FDLE: 20,000 fentanyl pills hidden, shipped in microwave

BOWLING GREEN, Fla. — A joint law enforcement investigation has led to the arrest of a Wauchula man for trafficking fentanyl and other related charges.

The joint investigation was conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), with assistance from the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO).

According to the FDLE, Derrail Kenyon Snell, 41, of Wauchula, was arrested for charges including two counts of trafficking fentanyl over 28 grams and one count each of use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony and possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

The joint investigation began in early February when FDLE, HCSO, and PCSO intercepted a parcel shipment. In the parcel, investigators reportedly found approximately 20,000 fentanyl pills packed inside a microwave that had been shipped from California to a residence in Wauchula.

The FDLE said further investigation positively identified Mr Snell as the sender and that he made multiple attempts to track and take possession of the parcel. On March 5, FDLE agents and detectives with PCSO arrested Snell on an outstanding violation of probation warrant.

Once in custody, investigators reportedly located a storage unit key in Mr Snell’s possession. FDLE agents, HCSO detectives, and PCSO K-9 detectives executed a search warrant on the unit and reported locating an additional 2,000 fentanyl pills, an AR-15 rifle, two handguns, ammunition, and $16,000 in cash.

Snell was booked into the Highlands County Jail on no bond. The Office of the State Attorney, 10th Judicial Circuit, will prosecute the case.