LEE COUNTY, Fla. – Nicholas P. Smith, 45, of Fort Myers, has been found guilty of possessing a controlled substance with the intent to distribute it. The verdict was delivered following a bench trial presided over by United States District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell.
Smith could face up to 20 years in federal prison. His sentencing is scheduled for November 18, 2024.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed that on September 5, 2023, Fort Myers Police Department officers stopped Smith for several traffic violations near Winkler Avenue and Fowler Street.
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A search of Smith led to the discovery of a large plastic bag containing 11 smaller bags of a pink powdery substance. Subsequent testing confirmed the substance to be a mixture of para-fluorofentanyl and fentanyl.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Fort Myers Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Patrick L. Darcey is prosecuting it.
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