Port Richey brothers admit to large-scale cocaine, drug trafficking

FLORIDA — Two Port Richey men have pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute significant quantities of illegal drugs in the Middle District of Florida, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Marcus Fowler, 33, and Pierre Fowler, 35, have admitted to their roles in a conspiracy to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl, more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, and cocaine. Marcus Fowler also pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Both men face a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

Beginning in 2006, Marcus and Pierre Fowler are said to have conspired with others to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Between 2020 and 2022, co-conspirators reportedly received over 100 kilograms of fentanyl and 500 pounds of methamphetamine from the brothers.

In January 2023, agents reportedly seized more than 13 pounds of methamphetamine and three kilograms of fentanyl through postal intercepts bound for members of the conspiracy. Further, on February 8, 2023, authorities recovered over a kilogram of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine, along with numerous firearms, including a machine gun, from a stash house in Tarpon Springs said to be used by the brothers.

The Fowlers are also alleged to have used drug proceeds to purchase multiple properties in Pasco and Pinellas Counties. As part of their plea agreements, they have agreed to forfeit the following properties connected to the offenses:

7715 Topay Lane, Port Richey, Florida 34668

4152 Memphis Avenue, New Port Richey, Florida 34652

5606 Sunshine Park Drive, New Port Richey, Florida 34652

4330 Kibler Lane, Holiday, Florida 34691

2141 Speck Drive, Holiday, Florida 34691

4240 Oakfield Avenue, Holiday, Florida 34691

710 North Avenue, Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689

122 East Lime Street, Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689

1522 Elite Court, Holiday, Florida 34691

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Secret Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Tarpon Springs Police Department, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Samantha E. Beckman is prosecuting it, and Assistant United States Attorney James Muench is handling asset forfeiture proceedings.

This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation, which targets high-level criminal organizations threatening the United States through a coordinated, multi-agency approach. More information about OCDETF can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.