2 charged in Bradenton with trafficking in heroin cut with Fentanyl

MANATEE -- Detectives late Friday arrested two men on heroin trafficking charges and found about 150 baggies of heroin that had been cut with Fentanyl, a powerful narcotic believed to be responsible for numerous deaths and other overdoses in recent months in Manatee County, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

About 9:50 p.m., detectives spotted a car driven by Paul Thomas III, who was wanted on nine warrants charging him with sale of heroin. Also in the car was Troy Hodo, according to a news release.

Detectives kept a loose surveillance on the vehicle, until Thomas parked at the Villages of Cortez apartment complex, 4880 51st W.

Detectives moved in on the pair, and they were arrested, Thomas after a short foot pursuit, according to the release.

"Thomas was video recorded by the MCSO Watch Unit (helicopter) flinging small objects onto the ground as he exited the vehicle in an attempt to elude detectives.," the release states. "These objects were found to be over 100 small baggies of suspected heroin. Approximately 50 more baggies of heroin were located inside the vehicle, along with marijuana, cocaine, MDMA, and paraphernalia."

Thomas and Hodo also were carrying almost $10,000 in cash, according to the report.

Detectives tested the heroin and found that it had been mixed with Fentanyl, the sheriff's office said.

Thomas, 28, faces charges of sale of heroin (nine counts); trafficking of heroin; possession of cocaine; possession of marijuana; possession of MDMA; possession of paraphernalia; resisting arrest; and driving with a suspended license.

He was being held on bonds totaling $121,000, according to the Manatee County jail website.

Hodo, 21, faces charges of trafficking of heroin; possession of cocaine; possession of marijuana; possession of MDMA; and possession of paraphernalia. He was being held on bonds totaling $29,000.

Detectives said their investigation is continuing.

This story was originally published September 26, 2015 at 5:49 AM with the headline "2 charged in Bradenton with trafficking in heroin cut with Fentanyl."