On Friday, police announced the arrest of 21 people involved in the organized high-level distribution of large quantities of drugs.
In February of this year, a Strategic Operations Division with St. Petersburg Police Department began an investigation into the violence in the city involving multiple shootings and other crimes.
Through diligent detective and undercover work, they learned a group from the Childs Park neighborhood was involved in extensive drug sales and was moving large quantities of marijuana and cocaine in St. Petersburg and throughout Pinellas County.
Monday morning, Detectives executed search warrants on four homes in the city.
In the past few days, detectives have arrested 21 people and confiscated 127 pounds of marijuana, 8lbs of powder cocaine, 286.1 grams of fentanyl, and 7 guns.
One pound of marijuana was selling for $800 to $1200 dollars. Investigators estimate this group was distributing $80,000 to $120,000 of marijuana weekly, not including the cocaine and fentanyl. Many violent crimes have been associated with these large amounts of drugs and money.
“This is not just about getting some pot off the street. This is about having a significant impact on stopping the violence in our community.,” said Anthony Holloway, Chief of Police, St. Petersburg.
Investigators say that one of the seven guns was stolen in a vehicle burglary, and all of them are being processed to determine if they were used in other crimes.
This investigation continues and more arrests and charges are expected. The Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney, FDLE, ATF, DEA, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit assisted with this investigation.
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