Heroin, Meth, $30K Seized In Drug Raids; 9 Arrested: Police

BLOOMINGDALE-RIVERVIEW — Nine people face drug charges after heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and $30,000 cash was seized during police searches, officials said.

A month-long investigation by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office led investigators to a 28-year-old Riverview man who sold drugs from his home, authorities said in a press release. Police served a search warrant on Cody Graves' home on May 20 and found methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and a gun inside his home.

Police arrested and charged Graves with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and operating a drug house.

Investigators found the man they believe to be his supplier, Beau Strawder, 46, who stayed at the Clarion Hotel on East Adamo Drive in Tampa, police said. Police searched several rooms under Strawder's name under a search warrant. Deputies found significant amounts of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and other drugs, along with firearms and more than $30,000 in cash inside the hotel rooms, said police. Police arrested Strawder on charges of armed drug trafficking, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance and felon in possession of a firearm.

"When it comes to drug and drug-related crimes in our community, our deputies work tirelessly to find the source of the problem, and through investigations like this one, generate big results," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "I will not tolerate this illegal acitivity, and I can assure you the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office will continue to invest the time needed to identify all the players and dismantle their operation."

Seven other people were arrested on drug charges in connection with this case:

• Ashley Purvis, 30, charged with conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine.
• Eric Paul, 29, charged with trafficking of methamphetamine.
• Philip Mathis, 25, charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
• Shawn Storer, 30, charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine, tampering with physical evidence, driving while license suspended-2nd conviction and outstanding warrant for felony petit theft.
• Eric Williams, 36, Charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine, giving false name to law enforcement, outstanding warrant for trespass, larceny with relation to utility.
• Dawna Gantvoort, 45, charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, methamphetamine and controlled substance.
• Renee Delgado-Razo, 29, possession of methamphetamine and firearm with an altered serial number.