PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – A Holiday, Florida man has been sentenced to over 17 years in federal prison for drug trafficking offenses involving fentanyl and methamphetamine. The case also involved the disturbing presence of young children in the man’s vehicle during a drug deal.
Gary Anthony Andrews, 34, received the sentence from U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday. He will serve 17 years and 6 months for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine. Andrews had pleaded guilty to the charges on September 27, 2024.
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The investigation began on March 11, 2024, when agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) arrested Andrews as he was attempting to sell methamphetamine to a confidential source.
During the arrest, agents discovered approximately 897 grams of methamphetamine and oxycodone pills in Andrews’ vehicle. Alarmingly, Andrews also had two young children with him in the car during the attempted drug deal.
A subsequent search of Andrews’ home uncovered even more evidence of his drug trafficking activities. Agents found approximately 400 grams of methamphetamine, 9.9 grams of crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and Narcan. They also located two loaded firearms, one of which had a spent casing inside.
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Further investigation revealed that Andrews was a significant supplier of drugs in the Tampa area. Between October 2023 and March 2024, he was responsible for distributing over 2,491 grams of methamphetamine, 84 grams of fentanyl, and 9.9 grams of cocaine.
In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered Andrews to forfeit the two firearms used in the commission of his crimes.
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