Fat Boys Deli Target of Drug Search

Update July 1, 6:36 p.m.: The St. Petersburg Police Department reports that the loaded firearm found during a search at Fat Boys Deli traces back to a 2012 theft within the city. Further investigation is ongoing. The department plans to bring the store before the city’s Nuisance Abatement Board, as well. The Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco was also present during the warrant serving on Wednesday. That agency may file administrative charges against the store for violations observed, an email from the police department stated. No further details are available at this time.

Earlier:

Officers from the St. Petersburg Police Department are in the process of searching Fat Boys Deli, 2680 5th Ave. S., following numerous complaints about drug activity.

“Our detectives conducted an undercover operation and determined that drugs were being bought in the store,” an email from the agency to media stated. “A customer knowing the right code word would be taken into the back room to buy drugs, mostly marijuana and crack cocaine.”

The undercover operation led the department to obtain a search warrant that was served early Wednesday afternoon.

“In the past year, we have received 57 calls for service at this address,” the email said.

On April 15, the police legal department sent a warning letter to the business that it had become a nuisance in the neighborhood. Officers, however, documented drug activity since that letter was sent, the email said.

The search was still ongoing shortly after 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Police say they have found drug paraphernalia, a stolen gun and several rounds of ammunition so far. Several people are being questioned and arrests are pending.

Stay with Patch for updates.

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