TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A South Florida man will spend more than 17 years in federal prison after authorities say he took possession of a package containing nearly two pounds of methamphetamine that was delivered to a Tallahassee home.
Antonio Carlos Shine, 38, of Dania, Florida, was sentenced to 17 years and five months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and marijuana. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, the United States attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“This serial felon’s lengthy criminal record amply demonstrates that the only way we can prevent him from continuing to terrorize our communities with his criminality is by keeping him incarcerated. This successful prosecution and long prison sentence should be a warning to other would-be drug peddlers that the Northern District of Florida has zero-tolerance for these crimes,” Heekin said.
Court documents say that in August 2024, law enforcement officers intercepted a package containing nearly two pounds of methamphetamine addressed to a Tallahassee residence. Investigators then conducted a controlled delivery at the home, and Shine took possession of the package and brought it inside, according to court records.
Shortly afterward, officers executed a search warrant at the residence. Shine did not answer the door, requiring officers to breach it, court documents say. Authorities said Shine then fled through the back door with the package of methamphetamine and was immediately taken into custody.
During a search of the residence, law enforcement located a digital scale, various narcotics paraphernalia, and 44 grams of marijuana packaged for sale, according to court documents.
Prosecutors said Shine had previously been convicted of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a firearm, and possession of cocaine with intent to sell/deliver, and had served several prior terms in Florida state prison.
“This significant prison sentencing should serve as a deterrent to anyone attempting to use the US Mail for narcotics trafficking,” said Bladismir Rojo, inspector in charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Miami Division. “The Postal Inspection Service will continue to work with the Tallahassee Police Department and all of our law enforcement partners to keep these poisons out of our communities.”
Shine’s prison term will be followed by 10 years of supervised release. Authorities said that if Shine violates the conditions of his release, he could potentially face an additional period of incarceration related to violating his supervision.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Tallahassee Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith L. Steer prosecuted the case.
Officials said the case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative focused on illegal immigration, cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and violent crime.