SPRING HILL, FL – A Spring Hill jewelry store owner has been arrested on cocaine trafficking charges after a months-long investigation by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) revealed he was using his business, Three J Jewelers, as a front for drug sales. Pedro Martinez, 54, faces several charges, including trafficking in cocaine, sale of cocaine, and possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell.
The investigation began when Hernando County Sheriff’s Deputies received a tip alleging that Martinez was using his jewelry store to sell cocaine. Over the course of several months, undercover agents ran a series of sting operations, during which they were able to purchase cocaine at the store four separate times. These operations led to the execution of a search warrant on Friday, where deputies recovered cocaine and arrested Martinez.
Details of the Investigation and Arrest
Martinez’s jewelry store, located on Deltona Boulevard in Spring Hill, was found to be a center for illegal drug activity. While the business appeared legitimate, authorities believe Martinez was selling drugs to some customers, who came to the store under the guise of selling gold jewelry.
Sheriff Al Nienhuis commented on the difficulty of identifying which customers were involved in criminal activities and which were legitimate business patrons. “It’s hard to judge how many people are coming in here legitimately to sell things like their gold jewelry and how many of them are doing it for the drugs,” he said.
The undercover operations revealed that Martinez was selling drugs, contributing to concerns in the community. According to Christine Munser, a local business owner from Kim’s Trims Salon, she was shocked by the news. “This is a walk-in business, and you don’t know what’s going to walk in the door. So, you certainly don’t want that next door,” she said, expressing her concerns about the drug activity nearby.
The Resurgence of Cocaine Use in Hernando County
The arrest has raised concerns about the resurgence of cocaine in Hernando County, particularly as local law enforcement continues its efforts to combat the widespread issue of fentanyl and opioid abuse. Sheriff Nienhuis noted that cocaine use had declined during the pill mill crisis but has seen a return in recent months. He assured the public that the Sheriff’s Office would continue to stay vigilant in preventing the spread of illegal drugs.
“We’re going to try to stay on top of it and prevent that,” Nienhuis said regarding the possible resurgence of cocaine.
Charges and Bail Information
Martinez has been charged with trafficking in cocaine, sale of cocaine, possession of a structure with intent to sell a controlled substance, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is currently being held on a $275,000 bond. While the store appeared to be operating normally after the search, Martinez’s absence from the business has raised further concerns in the community.
Sheriff Nienhuis also highlighted the risks of operating an illegal business, particularly in a cash-based setting. “When you’re dealing in a cash business like this, and you’re breaking the law, it really kind of puts a sign up to, ‘hey, come rob me, because I’m not going to call the cops,'” he said.
The Community’s Response
Martinez’s arrest has drawn attention to the ongoing issue of drug trafficking and criminal activity in local businesses. As the investigation continues, local residents and business owners like Christine Munser hope the authorities will continue to clamp down on such illegal activities to ensure the safety of the community.
The case is still under investigation, and additional charges or suspects may arise as law enforcement continues to examine the full scope of the operation.
