TAMPA, Fla. – A Tampa drug trafficker was sentenced to 21 years and eight months in federal prison for conspiracy and delivery of controlled substances.
Edward Verdi-Bruno, 31, had pleaded guilty on March 29, 2023.
According to court documents, Verdi-Bruno led a drug trafficking organization operating from a car wash on 22nd Street in Palmetto Beach. During the investigation, agents made controlled purchases of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine from multiple members within the drug trafficking organization.
In the news: Tampa PD: Man Arrested In 13th Street Homicide
In March 2022, agents seized two kilograms of cocaine sent by Verdi-Bruno from Puerto Rico to the Tampa area. In September 2022, agents intercepted a parcel containing two kilograms of fentanyl concealed in an air fryer mailed by the organization and destined for Puerto Rico.
Verdi-Bruno and another co-conspirator were arrested when they attempted to retrieve the seized parcel.
Following Verdi-Bruno’s arrest and detention on a criminal complaint, Verdi-Bruno used the recorded phone system at the Pinellas County jail to direct other members of the organization to deliver fentanyl pills to an undercover officer in October 2022. Verdi-Bruno directed two deliveries from the Pinellas County jail, resulting in the seizure of thousands of pressed fentanyl pills.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Beckman.
Android Users, Click To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Signup for our free newsletter.
We can’t do this without your help; visit our GiveSendGo page and donate any dollar amount; every penny helps.