HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – A six-month investigation by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has culminated in the dismantling of a large-scale drug trafficking network responsible for distributing fentanyl and other dangerous drugs throughout the county.
The operation, led by the HCSO Major Violators Section in collaboration with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Orlando Office, resulted in the arrest of 33 individuals.
The investigation revealed a direct link between the local network and a drug supply chain in Puerto Rico. Fentanyl and cocaine were smuggled into Florida, primarily through Orlando, before being distributed throughout Hillsborough County and surrounding areas.
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Detectives discovered that two brothers, Fernando Elias Rosario Torres, 32, and Elias Xavier Rosario Torres, 26, were coordinating drug distribution within Hillsborough County while incarcerated in separate Florida prisons. They used contraband cell phones smuggled into the facilities to conduct their illegal activities.
Further investigation revealed that their parents, Elias Rosario Negron, 59, and Enid Torres Berrios, 59, were also actively involved in the drug network. Both were arrested and charged as part of the operation.
The operation resulted in the seizure of:
- Approximately 2 kilograms of fentanyl, enough to potentially prevent 931,000 overdose deaths.
- 2 kilograms of cocaine
- 8 ounces of methamphetamine
- 2 fentanyl presses used to manufacture counterfeit pills
- 5 firearms
- $11,257 in U.S. currency
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“This wasn’t just a few people selling drugs. This was a network, a business built on death, addiction, and illegal profit,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “I couldn’t be more proud of our detectives for their relentless dedication and hard work. This investigation was a huge win, not just for our team but for our entire community. Let this be a warning: If you are trafficking drugs in Hillsborough County, we will find you, and you will go to jail.”
The majority of those arrested are facing trafficking charges for fentanyl, cocaine, or methamphetamine. Eleven individuals are facing RICO charges, indicating the organized nature of the criminal enterprise.
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