Drug traffickers from Pt. Charlotte, FL arrested after drug sale to undercover detectives in Crystal River, FL
CCSO photos (left to right): drugs, Kowanko and Joyce.
Crystal River, Florida - An undercover operation conducted by the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) on Friday afternoon, September 22, 2023, resulted in the seizure of 226 grams of methamphetamine and 104 grams of fentanyl, and the arrests of 49 year-old Robert Paul Kowanko and 37 year-old Sean Thomas Joyce, both of Port Charlotte, Florida.
The investigation
An investigation by the CCSO Tactical Impact Unit (TIU) indicated that Kowanko was involved in the sale and delivery of large quantities of methamphetamine within Citrus County, so on Friday afternoon, TIU detectives conducted a covert operation in which they purchased a large quantity of methamphetamine from Kowanko.
Kowanko and his associate, Joyce, traveled from Port Charlotte, Florida to deliver approximately one-half pound of methamphetamine to the undercover detectives, who made a controlled purchase from Kowanko, which resulted in the seizure of approximately 226 grams of methamphetamine.
The arrest
A short time later, in the parking lot of Denny's restaurant, located at 2380 U.S. 19, Hwy. 19 in Crystal River, Florida, Kowanko and Joyce were arrested by TIU detectives, with the assistance of CCSO K9 deputies Miller and K9 Deputy Danner.
During his arrest, Kowanko was found to be in possession of approximately 59 grams of fentanyl; numerous items of drug paraphernalia were also recovered from the vehicle driven by Kowanko. Joyce was found to be in possession of approximately 45 grams of fentanyl and 1 gram of crack cocaine.
Charges
Kowanko was charged with trafficking more than 200 grams of methamphetamine, trafficking more than 28 grams of fentanyl, sale of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a place of worship, illegal use of a two-way communication device, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at none.
Joyce was charged with trafficking more than 200 grams of methamphetamine, trafficking more than 28 grams of fentanyl, sale of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a place of worship, possession of crack cocaine, illegal use of a two-way communication device, and possession of paraphernalia. His bond was set at none.
Fentanyl is deadly
According to a press release by CCSO Community Relations Supervisor Brittney Carman, the amount of fentanyl seized during this investigation has the potential to kill approximately 52,000 adults.
Sheriff Prendergast weighs in
"Our agency will continue to fight against and protect our residents from these deadly substances," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "It is important to stop illicit narcotics from being brought into our county. The TIU's dedication to halting the distribution train into Citrus County is truly commendable, and thanks to their hard work, we have two fewer dealers and a large amount of deadly fentanyl and methamphetamine off our streets."
About the CCSO Tactical Impact Unit
Responsibilities of the Tactical Impact Unit include narcotics investigations, street-level reverse stings, and regular checks for narcotics in schools and during traffic interdiction. The unit coordinates with and assists other organizations and departments in combating street-level drug crimes. The unit's detectives identify, investigate, and infiltrate street-level to mid-level narcotics dealers and their organizations within Citrus County. They work closely with other units within the Bureau of Special Investigations, as well as local, state, and federal authorities.