News Summary
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has dismantled a drug trafficking operation in Tampa following a three-month investigation. Authorities arrested two suspects and seized various illegal drugs, including fentanyl and cocaine. This operation is a significant blow to drug-related activities in the region, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking. Eleven individuals now face RICO charges, emphasizing the organized nature of this criminal enterprise. The investigation is ongoing, with collaboration from federal law enforcement agencies.
Tampa, Florida – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has dismantled a major drug trafficking network following a three-month investigation that led to the arrests of two suspects, Rashawn Duley (33) and Mekka Mason (30). This operation culminated in a search warrant executed at a residence on the 13600 block of N 20th Street in Tampa, where authorities discovered and seized various illegal drugs and paraphernalia.
In total, law enforcement seized 28 grams of cocaine, 20 grams of crack cocaine, 59 grams of methamphetamine, 2 grams of fentanyl, 209 grams of cannabis, substantial amounts of U.S. currency, and miscellaneous drug paraphernalia. The operation has been described as a key blow to the ongoing drug problem in Hillsborough County.
Duley faces multiple charges, including trafficking in amphetamine (28 to 200 grams), delivery of a controlled substance within 1000 feet of a park or community center, and unlawful use of a communications device. Meanwhile, Mason is charged with trafficking in amphetamine (28 to 200 grams), possession of cannabis with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver, and possession of cocaine.
This extensive investigation, which spanned six months and involved collaboration with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Orlando Office, resulted in the arrest of 33 individuals associated with the drug trafficking operation. Authorities have linked this network to organized operations originating in Puerto Rico, where they coordinated the smuggling of fentanyl and cocaine into Florida.
The investigation revealed that two brothers, Fernando Elias Rosario Torres (32) and Elias Xavier Rosario Torres (26), were significant figures in the drug operation while currently incarcerated. They allegedly continued to coordinate drug distribution from prison utilizing contraband cellphones. Additionally, their parents, Elias Rosario Negron (59) and Enid Torres Berrios (59), have also been arrested for their involvement.
Law enforcement seized an estimated 2 kilograms of fentanyl, a substance which has the potential to prevent approximately 931,000 overdose deaths, along with 2 kilograms of cocaine, 8 ounces of methamphetamine, two fentanyl presses used for manufacturing counterfeit pills, five firearms, and more than $11,257 in U.S. currency.
The severity of this drug trafficking operation, described by officials as a business built on death, underscores the urgent need for continuous efforts in combating drug trafficking in the region. Eleven individuals connected to the drug network now face RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) charges, illustrating the organized nature of this criminal enterprise.
The HCSO emphasizes its commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy toward drug trafficking within Hillsborough County, ensuring that law enforcement will continue to address these issues diligently. The investigation remains ongoing, and updates are expected to emerge from the Public Affairs Office as more information becomes available.
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Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
