Bradenton K9 sniffs out drug dealer selling fentanyl-laced cocaine, prosecutors say
A Texas man faces up to 40 years in federal prison after police say a Bradenton K9 flagged his car for drugs.
Julio Cesar Deleon, 38, pleaded guilty to drug charges after Bradenton police say they seized cocaine laced with fentanyl and cash from him during a traffic stop.
Deleon’s attorney did not immediately respond to the Bradenton Herald’s request for comment Wednesday afternoon.
On Jan. 25, the Bradenton Police Department said they stopped a vehicle with an unassigned license plate when the passenger, Deleon, ran from officers.
Police also arrested the driver, 50-year-old Roberto Verdugo Luna, and charged him with trafficking in cocaine. Further information about Luna’s case was not immediately available Wednesday afternoon.
Police said they apprehended Deleon and had Narcotics K9 Blue walk around the vehicle, where the dog alerted them to the odor of narcotics. Officers said a search revealed 5.8 kilograms of cocaine laced with fentanyl and $2,576 in cash.
In September, Deleon pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, according to court records.
Deleon faces a maximum of 40 years in federal prison and a minimum mandatory of five years, according to a news release.
Court records show Deleon is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 9.
