A months-long narcotics investigation by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office resulted in the arrest of a 26-year-old man and the seizure of more than three pounds of illegal drugs from a Palmetto residence.
Eric Tovar-Aviles was arrested Oct. 13 after detectives, assisted by the sheriff’s office SWAT team, executed a search warrant at a home in the 400 block of 39th Street East.
According to investigators, undercover detectives conducted multiple controlled purchases of narcotics from Tovar-Aviles, obtaining approximately 22 grams of cocaine and 33 grams of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine purchases included a trafficking amount.
Detectives identified the Palmetto residence as Tovar-Aviles’ home. He was the only person inside when authorities executed the warrant and was taken into custody without incident.
During the search, investigators reported finding approximately 1,230.6 grams of methamphetamine, 113.4 grams of cocaine and more than $15,000 in cash. The seized narcotics had an estimated street value of $33,684.
Tovar-Aviles faces charges of sale of methamphetamine, two counts of trafficking in methamphetamine, trafficking in cocaine and violation of probation.
The investigation was conducted by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
