Pompano Beach Man Arrested in Stolen Vehicle with Fentanyl

Javier Mauricio Bernal was found with fentanyl in his sock while driving a stolen Dodge Avenger.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A 44-year-old Pompano Beach man on felony probation was arrested after Broward Sheriff's Office detectives caught him exiting a stolen 2014 Dodge Avenger and found him in possession of fentanyl hidden in his sock.

Why it matters

This arrest highlights ongoing issues with drug trafficking and property crimes in the Pompano Beach area, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with repeat offenders on probation.

The details

According to arrest records, detectives with the BSO Burglary Apprehension Team were tracking the stolen Dodge Avenger when they witnessed Javier Mauricio Bernal exit the driver's seat. When they detained Bernal, they found the car's key fob in his pocket and a small plastic baggie containing a white powder, which field tests confirmed was fentanyl, hidden in his right sock.

  • Bernal was arrested on Wednesday afternoon at a shopping plaza on West Atlantic Boulevard in Pompano Beach.
  • At the time of his arrest, Bernal was on felony probation for a previous grand theft conviction.

The players

Javier Mauricio Bernal

A 44-year-old Pompano Beach man who was arrested for driving a stolen vehicle and possessing fentanyl while on felony probation.

Broward Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that apprehended Bernal and charged him with multiple new offenses.

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What’s next

Bernal is currently being held at the Broward County Main Jail without bond due to the probation violation and an additional hold out of Orange County.

The takeaway

This arrest underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating the opioid crisis and property crimes, particularly when dealing with repeat offenders who continue to engage in illegal activities while on probation.