Search Warrant Uncovers Cocaine, Fentanyl, Stash of Cash and Firearms In Punta Gorda

PUNTA GORDA, FL – Early Thursday morning the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics unit, along with assistance from other members conducted a search warrant at 444 Charlotte Street in Punta Gorda, FL. The occupants of the home were brought outside where Frank Vantuyl, 47, was found to be in possession of a handgun, over $1,000 in cash and cocaine.

Once it was deemed safe to enter the residence, members thoroughly searched the home where they located multiple gun safes. Inside the largest safe, deputies located several weapons including an AR-15. Also inside the safe was 10.3 grams of a Cocaine and Fentanyl mixture, 29.3 grams of Cocaine, 8 yellow pills which tested positive for Heroin, and over $5,800 in cash.

Inside one of the smaller safes which was located inside a bedroom closet, was 12.4 grams of Marijuana and a loaded handgun.

Van Tuyl was arrested on trafficking in fentanyl, possession with intent to sell heroin, marijuana possession, child neglect, possession or use of a weapon; aggravated battery, possession of a controlled substance without prescription, possession of drug paraphernalia and cocaine trafficking. He was transported to the Charlotte County Jail.