The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has dismantled a large-scale drug trafficking network responsible for distributing fentanyl and other dangerous drugs throughout Hillsborough County.
The six-month investigation, led by the HCSO Major Violators Section in collaboration with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Drug Enforcement Administration Orlando Office, resulted in the arrest of 33 individuals.
The investigation uncovered direct ties between the group and a network in Puerto Rico, where fentanyl and cocaine were being smuggled into Florida, primarily through Orlando, before being distributed throughout Hillsborough County and surrounding areas.
Detectives identified two brothers, Fernando Elias Rosario Torres, 32, currently incarcerated at Federal Prison Camp Pensacola, and Elias Xavier Rosario Torres, 26, currently incarcerated at Graceville Correctional Facility, coordinating drug distribution within Hillsborough County while using contraband cellphones smuggled into the correctional facilities.
Through investigative means, detectives also uncovered that their parents, Elias Rosario Negron, 59, and Enid Torres Berrios, 59, were actively involved in the drug network. Both were arrested and charged as part of this operation.
As a result of this investigation, 33 suspects were arrested, with the majority facing trafficking charges for fentanyl, cocaine, or methamphetamine. Additionally, 11 individuals are facing RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) charges, highlighting the structured and organized nature of the criminal enterprise.
Detectives also seized approximately two kilograms of fentanyl, enough to potentially prevent 931,000 overdose deaths, along with two kilograms of cocaine and eight ounces of methamphetamine. Additionally, two fentanyl presses used to manufacture counterfeit pills were confiscated, along with five firearms and $11,257 in U.S. currency.
"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."
“Our joint success in dismantling this network is further proof of how our existing partnerships are strengthened and effective with help from the S.A.F.E. grant program,” FDLE Tampa Bay Special Agent in Charge Mark Brutnell said. “FDLE’s agents and HCSO’s detectives have delivered the strongest message with these arrests: we have a zero-tolerance policy on drug trafficking in the Tampa Bay area.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.
