Eight Pounds Of Cocaine, Seven Guns, 127 Pounds Of Marijuana Found In Drug Bust: Police

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Twenty—one people involved in a high-level drug activity are accused of using about 15 addicts for their guinea pigs to measure doses of fentanyl before selling it on St. Petersburg streets, Chief Anthony Holloway told reporters at a news conference Friday at St. Pete Police headquarters.

This investigation started out in February as law enforcement officials trying to decrease the amount of shootings and violence St. Petersburg has experienced since 2020. Detectives uncovered information and evidence that led to a group from the Childs Park neighborhood, authorities said. They are accused of extensive drug sales and moving large quantities of marijuana and cocaine in the city and throughout Pinellas County.

Search warrants were issued on four homes Monday morning, a news release said. One—hundred twenty—seven pounds of marijuana, eight pounds of power cocaine, 286 grams of fentanyl and seven guns were taken from the houses.

"One of the guns that were recovered from the search warrant was stolen from a vehicle, and the others guns are being tested to see if they were used in other crimes committed in our city," Holloway said.

One pound of marijuana sold for $800 to $1,200. Investigators said it's estimated that this group sold between $80,000 to $120,000 worth of marijuana weekly, not including cocaine and fentanyl.

None of the 21 people were connected to the 29 homicides St. Pete has experienced in 2021. Recently, St. Pete Police said the city had 30 homicides but the last one turned out to be self—defense.

"Many violent crimes have been associated with these large amounts of drugs and money," Holloway said.

According to Holloway, the investigation continues and more arrests and charges are expected.

Those arrested face the following charges, according to the St. Petersburg Police Department:

• Cedrick Critton, 23: Felon in possession, conspiracy to the sale of marijuana, importation of marijuana, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, conspiracy to traffic cocaine, principal to the sale of controlled substance, unlawful use of two-way communications device, trafficking in marijuana, conspiracy to traffic in marijuana, conspiracy to traffic in marijuana and money laundering.
• Thitima Terakulsati, 42: Florida money laundering, unlawful use of two-way device
• Zanquavia Harris, 21: Conspiracy to the sale of marijuana, unlawful use of two-way communications device
• Tammy Jo Salmon, 43: Unlawful use of two-way communications device, conspiracy to traffic in codeine
• Amardo Burghoy, 26: Sale of heroin, possession of heroin, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, armed trafficking in fentanyl, active electronic ankle monitoring
• Torri Wilson, 29: Conspiracy to the sale of marijuana, conspiracy to traffic marijuana, trafficking in marijuana, unlawful use of two-way device

• Carlos Rodriguez, 23: sale of marijuana
• Di'Jon Weaver, 25: Conspiracy to sale marijuana, unlawful use of two-way communications device, warrant for failure to appear on disorderly conduct
• Rufus Brown, 21: Conspiracy for the sale of marijuana, unlawful use of two-way communications device
• Joseph Vaughn, 44: Conspiracy to the sale of marijuana, unlawful use of two-way communications device
• Shamar Adams—Batson, 20: Trafficking in heroin
• Austin Mason, 22: Conspiracy to the sale of marijuana
• Michael Frazier, 46: Unlawful use of two-way communications device, conspiracy to the sale of marijuana.
• Jamontae Harris, 20: Conspiracy to the sale of marijuana, unlawful use of two-way communication device
• Randy Robson, 21: Sale of crack, possession crack, sale of crack (armed) possession of crack (armed) sale of heroin, possession of heroin trafficking heroin, armed trafficking heroin, felon in possession of gun during felony, dealing in stolen property, conspiracy to commit armed robbery
• Le'Rodrick Brister, 23: Sale of heroin, possession of heroin, attempted murder, shooting from a vehicle, felon in possession of gun
• Deon Ross, 23: felon marijuana, tampering with physical evidence
• Jakil Powell, 19: Delinquent in possession, violation of probation
• Kevontae Wilson, 23: Felon in possession of a gun
• Antonio Ford, 26: Possession of marijuana, felon in possession of gun
• Julian Sanders, 27: Possession of marijuana, felon in possession of gun