HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL – A traffic stop for an invalid license plate turned into a significant drug bust on Thursday, resulting in the arrest of 39-year-old Eric Hopson of Riverview.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies initiated the stop after observing the suspicious plate.
Upon further investigation, deputies discovered that the vehicle was unregistered and the license plate was counterfeit. A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded a substantial amount of contraband: 411.9 grams of cocaine, 566.9 grams of cannabis, and approximately $5,000 in cash.
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Hopson was detained at the scene and arrested without incident. He now faces multiple felony charges related to drug possession and other offenses.
“Our deputies are out on our streets every day, locating the individuals who pose the greatest threat to our neighborhoods,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “This arrest is another example of the proactive work being done to keep drugs and dangerous individuals off our streets.”
The HCSO’s proactive approach to traffic enforcement resulted in the removal of a significant quantity of illegal narcotics from the community. The investigation is ongoing.
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