Tampa Woman Sold Drug-Infused Candy To Kids: FL Authorities

TAMPA — A 32-year-old woman is facing drug charges after state authorities said she handled fentanyl in the presence of an infant and sold drug-infused candy to local children.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said Friday authorities began investigating Renee Stephens, of Tampa, in August.

Special agents were tipped off about Stephens' suspected drug-trafficking activities, authorities said. During the three-month probe, agents were involved in controlled purchases with Stephens that totaled 58 grams of fentanyl, authorities said.

The FDLE said during one of the exchanges, agents saw Stephens handling fentanyl while holding her infant.

Authorities searched Stephens' home on Dec. 11, when they seized 63 individually-packaged snacks that contained marijuana, the FDLE said. Authorities said 153 grams of fentanyl and 100 fentanyl pills were also recovered.

"During the investigation, agents learned that Stephens was known as the 'candy lady' (and) was reportedly selling drug-infused candy to children in the neighborhood," authorities said in a news release.

Stephens was charged on suspicion of trafficking in fentanyl, possession of controlled substance with intent to sell, possession of cannabis, unlawful use of a two-way communication device and maintaining a dwelling to traffic narcotics with minors present, authorities said.