TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa Police have arrested more than twenty individuals during a targeted spring break operation, focusing on narcotics and other illegal activities.
The operation, which included officers from the Street Anti-Crime (SAC) Squad, was launched following community concerns about drug sales in local clubs and bars.
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“Ensuring our community is safe during Spring Break and all year round is our number one priority,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “I want to send a clear message, there is no tolerance for this behavior in Tampa. Our officers are dedicated to ensuring that any illegal activity is disrupted before more lives are put at risk.”
On March 15, 2025, officers conducted a narcotics investigation at a club on the 1600 block of E 7th Ave. There, they arrested 19-year-old Matthew Shaffer after he sold them narcotics, believed to be cocaine, in the restroom. The substance tested positive for fentanyl.
Shaffer was found in possession of 17.98 grams of fentanyl and charged with Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Fentanyl) and Trafficking in Fentanyl.
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At a bar on the 1800 block of E 7th Ave, officers arrested 23-year-old Joseph Azucena after he sold them cocaine. Azucena was charged with Delivery of Cocaine and one misdemeanor count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
In addition to the narcotics arrests, the operation resulted in:
- 6 DUI arrests
- 210 traffic stops
- 21 other arrests
The Tampa Police Department urges the community to report suspicious behavior year-round. “If you see something, say something, so we can do something,” they stated.
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