The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, working in partnership with Homeland Security Investigations, charged a Port Charlotte man in connection with multiple shipments of fentanyl to a Sarasota address.
In February, Homeland Security Investigations intercepted three packages in Miami suspected of containing fentanyl, all of which were destined for 3401 Clark Road, Unit 101, in Sarasota. Investigators contacted sheriff’s office detectives who later determined Joseph Vine, DOB 03/14/75, was staying at that address. Chemical analysis confirmed the packages collectively contained more than 10 grams of fentanyl, a trafficking amount. The investigation revealed Vine used the “dark web” to coordinate the shipments and inquire about additional illegal narcotics. During the course of the investigation, Vine relocated to a new residence in Port Charlotte. Detectives relayed information about Vine’s illegal activity to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, who took him into custody Tuesday morning following the execution of a search warrant at his home on Springview Avenue.
Vine is charged with a single count of Conspiracy to Traffic in Fentanyl. He has 30 prior arrests in Sarasota County and 19 felony drug convictions. Vine also faces additional charges in Charlotte County where he currently remains in custody awaiting extradition to Sarasota.
