Tampa, FL – Hillsborough County deputies say two people were taken into custody after a narcotics search warrant uncovered a drug-manufacturing operation inside an apartment on Belmere Parkway on Friday. The discovery, made November 14, comes less than 1,000 feet from Ben Hill Middle School, raising safety concerns for nearby residents.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, detectives executed the warrant as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected narcotics activity. During the search, deputies allegedly found a variety of illegal drugs, weapons and equipment consistent with an active drug-production setup.
Investigators say the primary suspect, Edward Royse, 31, a three-time convicted felon, was allegedly producing methamphetamine and dimethyltryptamine inside the apartment. Deputies also recovered methamphetamine, MDMA, LSD, ketamine, cocaine, fentanyl and alprazolam, along with two firearms and about $4,100 in cash.
Also inside the residence was Rosa Silva, 53, who deputies say was allegedly in possession of methamphetamine, MDMA, ketamine, cannabis and sativa resin at the time of the search.
Deputies noted the apartment’s proximity to Ben Hill Middle School as an additional concern, with the sheriff’s office emphasizing that narcotics production and distribution pose heightened risks in school zones.
The sheriff’s office said both individuals were taken into custody following the search and face multiple charges related to narcotics and weapons violations. Additional charges may follow pending laboratory testing and prosecutorial review.
The investigation remains ongoing.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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