Bradenton man sentenced to federal prison for trafficking fentanyl

A Bradenton man was sentenced to five years in prison for distributing the dangerous and deadly drug fentanyl.

Bobby Harper, 23, pleaded guilty to distributing more than 40 grams of the synthetic opioid in April, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. A news release Wednesday said U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday sentenced Harper to five years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl.

Citing court documents, the U.S. Attorney's Office said a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent and a confidential informant bought drugs from Harper on April 12, 2017. The informant arranged to get two ounces of heroin for $5,600 from Harper and planned to meet in Manatee County for the exchange.

When they arrived at the meeting location, Harper got into the DEA agent's vehicle and made the transaction. The U.S. Attorney's Office said a lab test of the drugs inside the package handed to the agent showed 56.694 grams of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl.

The case was a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation called “Hot Batch.” More than 30 suspected dealers in Manatee County were indicted on drug charges as part of the operation that began in November 2016.

This story was originally published July 11, 2018 at 11:08 AM.