The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has arrested two Colombian nationals in connection with a drug trafficking operation involving “pink cocaine,” a dangerous synthetic narcotic.
Andres Felipe Gavira-Carvajal, 32, and Marilu Becerra Betancourt, 56, were arrested on February 25th in Manatee County and are facing multiple felony charges, including trafficking in phenethylamines and conspiracy to traffic in controlled substances. Gavira-Carvajal is also charged with possession of a Schedule-I drug.
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The arrests followed an FDLE operation that identified members of a drug trafficking organization operating within Florida. Agents seized over one pound of Tusi cocaine, commonly known as “pink cocaine.”
Pink cocaine is a synthetic drug often marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cocaine, but it can be even more dangerous. It typically contains a mixture of MDMA, fentanyl, ketamine, and other narcotics, making its effects unpredictable and potentially lethal.
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Further investigation revealed that Gavira-Carvajal and Becerra Betancourt were illegally in the United States.
Becerra Betancourt entered the country illegally, and Gavira-Carvajal was residing in Florida illegally.
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