The arrests are the latest in a series of four search warrants served this week, part of a city-wide effort to combat drug-related crime.
TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Police Department (TPD) arrested three individuals and seized a large amount of narcotics and weapons in a raid on a residential property on Tuesday. The bust was the fourth narcotics-related search warrant served this week as part of the department’s ongoing mission to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors.
During the execution of a warrant on a residence in the 1000 block of E. Poinsettia Ave., officers seized thousands of grams of narcotics, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, along with prescription pills, four firearms, and thousands of dollars in U.S. currency.
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Additionally, officers found electronic devices, including skimmers, used for fraudulent activity.
Three suspects were taken into custody and face multiple charges:
- Tanya Ruiz, 26, and Eric Hallas, 31, were each charged with one misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia and one felony count of possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine).
- Dimitrii Roberts, 31, faces two misdemeanor and four felony charges, including armed trafficking in fentanyl and maintaining a public nuisance structure for drug activity.
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“Narcotics like fentanyl and methamphetamine are destroying lives, and the presence of firearms only makes these crimes more dangerous,” said TPD Chief Lee Bercaw. “We will not allow our residents or visitors to be put at risk by this kind of activity. I am extremely proud of the men and women whose hard work led to the seizure of these drugs and weapons, and who made sure those responsible are now behind bars.”
The arrests and seizures are the latest success in a series of four narcotics-related search warrants served by TPD this week. These operations are part of a larger initiative aimed at combating drug-related crime and enhancing public safety across the city.
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