Tampa Drug Trafficker Convicted By A Federal Jury

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Anthony Carroll (50, Tampa) guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Carroll faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Carroll and his co-defendant agreed with an individual located in Mexico and associated with the Sinaloa Cartel to purchase 30 kilograms of cocaine in Tampa. An undercover agent in communication with the Mexican cartel member was solicited by that individual to transport the 30 kilograms of cocaine from El Paso, Texas to Tampa. Once in Tampa, the undercover agent contacted the Mexican cartel member who told the agent that two people would be arriving to the meeting location in a white sedan. Carroll and his co-defendant arrived shortly afterwards in Carroll’s white car. The pair met with two undercover agents, paid them the transportation fee, and took possession of the cocaine. A short while later, troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol stopped the vehicle. After a narcotics dog was deployed on the vehicle, troopers discovered the cocaine in the trunk. The pair were then arrested.  

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration - Tampa District Office and El Paso Field Division and the Florida Highway Patrol. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shauna S. Hale.