Palatka, FL – A SWAT-assisted drug investigation in Putnam County ended with one man in custody after deputies allegedly uncovered cocaine and a firearm during a search last week.
According to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, 69-year-old Albert Leonard was arrested on a warrant alleging the sale of cocaine following an ongoing narcotics investigation. Deputies executed a search at a residence located at 303 Benham Street, where they allegedly found additional cocaine along with a gun.
Authorities said Leonard has been convicted of felonies four previous times. Investigators also noted that this is the second search of the same property this year related to suspected drug activity. The earlier search took place in April, when deputies reportedly found evidence consistent with drug dealing.
According to the sheriff’s office, their drug unit has been targeting repeat-offender properties across Putnam County in an effort to curb street-level narcotics distribution. Officials said SWAT teams are often brought in to secure locations considered high-risk or where weapons may be present.
Deputies said Leonard was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Putnam County Jail. He is being held on a $25,000 bond.
Residents in the area have expressed concern over repeated law-enforcement activity at the address. The sheriff’s office said it encourages neighbors to report suspected drug activity and assured the community that investigations are ongoing.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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