Tampa, FL – Hillsborough County deputies have arrested 33 individuals in connection with a drug-trafficking ring, including two incarcerated brothers and their parents. The operation was partly coordinated through smuggled cellphones into Florida prisons, according to authorities.
The investigation, which lasted over six months, uncovered connections between a drug-trafficking network in Puerto Rico and Hillsborough County, where fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine were being distributed. The drugs were primarily smuggled into Florida through Orlando before being spread across Hillsborough County and surrounding regions.
Among those arrested were Fernando Elias Rosario Torres, 32, and his brother Elias Xavier Rosario Torres, 26, both of whom are currently incarcerated. Authorities say the brothers, using contraband cellphones, organized the distribution of drugs from their respective prisons—Federal Prison Camp Pensacola and Graceville Correctional Facility.
Their parents, Elias Rosario Negron (59) and Enid Torres Berrios (59), were also implicated in the operation and arrested as part of the crackdown.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), working with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), dismantled a well-organized criminal network, arresting individuals on drug trafficking and RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) charges. Eleven individuals are facing RICO charges, highlighting the organized nature of the operation.
Authorities seized around two kilograms of fentanyl, two kilograms of cocaine, and eight ounces of methamphetamine. The fentanyl was enough to potentially prevent 931,000 overdose deaths. Law enforcement also confiscated two fentanyl presses, used to manufacture counterfeit pills, along with five firearms and $11,257 in cash.
“This wasn’t just a few people selling drugs. This was a network built on death, addiction, and illegal profits,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Our detectives’ hard work has made a huge impact on our community. Let this be a warning: we will find you and you will go to jail.”
Mark Brutnell, FDLE Tampa Bay Special Agent in Charge, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the success of the operation. “This investigation proves the power of our partnerships in tackling drug trafficking in the Tampa Bay area,” he said.
Authorities are continuing to investigate and expect further arrests related to this organized criminal network.
