Following a tip-off in February 2022, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Vice and Narcotics Unit initiated an investigation into Jacob Spinoza, a registered felon for grand theft and known figure in the local drug scene. Spinoza, with a history of drug-related offenses, was suspected of distributing illicit substances, including a dangerous synthetic opioid known as “Iso.”
Over the course of the investigation, undercover detectives conducted two successful drug transactions at Spinoza’s Weeki Wachee residence, leading to the issuance of a search warrant. On October 10, 2022, authorities executed the warrant, uncovering significant quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, marijuana, and firearms.
Further investigation revealed that Spinoza had imported protonitazene, a potent synthetic opioid, from China via the dark web. Protonitazene is reported to be three times more deadly than fentanyl. This discovery prompted collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), resulting in the largest seizure of protonitazene in the United States at the time, according to the DEA.
In September 2023, Spinoza and his girlfriend Veronica Barback pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute protonitazene and metonitazene. In February 2024, they were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington. Spinoza received a nine-year prison term, while Barback was sentenced to three years and four months. Additionally, they were ordered to forfeit firearms and ammunition.
