Crime & Safety

Deputies Seize $550,000 in Cocaine, Marijuana in Trafficking Bust

Three people were arrested as a result of the two-month-long investigation.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies wrapped up an investigation into a suspected cocaine trafficking operation in the Plant City area Sunday by making three arrests and seizing more than $550,000 in drugs.

Deputies say they served a search warrant on a 4612 Lantana Place home Sunday. Once inside, officers found more than 7,000 grams of cocaine, more than 6 pounds of hydroponic marijuana, $8,683 in cash and a loaded gun. The home belonged to Anderson Barriera-Vera.

Barriera-Vera and two others, Ruben Barriera-Jimenez and Jose Ortiz, were all brought into custody. Each of the men was charged with trafficking in cocaine and possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. Anderson Barriera-Vera also faces an additional count of trafficking in cocaine, a media release stated.

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Photo Credit: Anderson Barriera-Vera, Ruben Barriera-Jimenez and Jose Ortiz

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