The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested a drug trafficker who operated under a false identity for years while distributing large quantities of fentanyl across the Tampa Bay area.
In June 2025, detectives with HCSO's Special Investigations Division, working alongside the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), launched an undercover investigation targeting a man believed to be selling large quantities of fentanyl in Hillsborough County.
The suspect, who originally identified himself as Eric Barnes, was found to be distributing pressed fentanyl pills. Over the course of the investigation, HCSO detectives recovered more than 1,000 pressed fentanyl pills.
Further investigation revealed the name "Eric Barnes" was a false identity. The individual's true identity is Lloyd Anton Blair, 47, a previously deported non-citizen who had illegally re-entered the United States and absconded from federal probation. His whereabouts had been unknown for nearly a decade until this investigation exposed his activities. Detectives also confirmed Blair had an active detainer from the United States Marshals Service for human smuggling.
Blair used a local auto body repair shop at 7200 North Nebraska Avenue as a front to conduct drug deals.
On July 25, 2025, HCSO detectives located and arrested Blair at his residence on Tangle Stone Drive in Gibsonton. He was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for federal processing.
Search warrants were executed at both Blair's residence and the auto body shop, resulting in the seizure of:
- Approximately 2,500 pressed fentanyl pills
- One pound of fentanyl
- Half a pound of methamphetamine
- Half a pound of marijuana
- Over $4,000 in U.S. currency
"The amount of fentanyl we recovered in this case is staggering," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Just two milligrams can be fatal. Hundreds of thousands of lives have been saved with the amount we seized. Our detectives didn't just make an arrest, they saved countless families from unimaginable grief."
Blair faces additional charges, including:
- Trafficking in Fentanyl (14 to 28 Grams)
- Trafficking in Fentanyl (28 Grams or More) (x2)
- Trafficking in Amphetamine (200 Grams or More)
- Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Sell, Manufacture, or Deliver
Detectives also obtained a search warrant for Blair's phone and uncovered two suspicious parcels. With the assistance of HSI, investigators intercepted:
- 12 pounds of marijuana, heading to the Tampa Bay area
- 3 pounds of methamphetamine in California
"This arrest is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our detectives to hold drug traffickers accountable and remove these deadly substances from our streets," added Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Let this be a warning: if you hide behind a fake name, we will find you, we will stop you, and we will protect our community."
This investigation remains ongoing, and any update will come from the Public Affairs Office.
