A man was sentenced for working as a drug mule in the trafficking of drugs from Sarasota County to Charlotte County.
Charlotte County deputies began investigating the case in October 2023. Investigators saw Vincent Patrick Niles receive illegal narcotics as a drug mule while meeting up with suppliers.
According to the state attorney's office, Niles met with drug suppliers in the parking lot of a major retail store on Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota.
The news release said Niles picked up the drugs and went onto Interstate 75. As Niles neared the off-ramp at Exit 167 in Charlotte County, he accelerated and started speeding before being stopped by deputies.
The state attorney's office said deputies found a syringe with heroin in Niles' pocket. Deputies also found two locked boxes inside his pickup truck that contained methamphetamine. Deputies arrested Niles, and his truck was towed.
However, deputies soon learned more drugs were hidden in the truck. Deputies then met the tow truck driver at a storage lot and found a hidden compartment.
The compartment was created beneath the cupholders in the center console. According to the state attorney's office, the whole section was lifted up and inside was a plastic bag with large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Niles was sentenced to 20 years in prison for trafficking fentanyl, 14 grams or more. The state attorney's office said the trafficking charges require a 20-year minimum/mandatory sentence.
Niles was also ordered to pay a $100,000 fine. He was sentenced to five years for possession of amphetamine and given credit time served for possession of paraphernalia.
Officials said the sentences will be served concurrently.