Spring Hill, Florida – More than 11 pounds of ketamine were seized during a narcotics investigation at a Spring Hill home this week.
According to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, detectives with the Vice and Narcotics Unit executed a residential search warrant Feb. 10 at 5043 Tiburon Ave. after receiving information that a large quantity of ketamine hydrochloride was being shipped to the address from outside the United States.
During the search, detectives located a package containing 20 large wax candles. Investigators said the candles had been hollowed out and used to conceal multiple bags of a white crystalline substance. Field testing indicated a positive result for ketamine.
After removing the drug from the candles, authorities determined the total weight to be approximately 11.198 pounds.
Ting Zheng, born Jan. 17, 1990, was taken into custody without incident. He is charged with possession with intent to sell ketamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Zheng was transported to the Hernando County Detention Center.
Officials said Zheng is a citizen of China currently in the United States on a work visa. Due to the nature of the charges, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been notified and may pursue immigration enforcement action.
The investigation remains ongoing.
