Tampa, FL – Deputies uncovered a drug manufacturing operation packed with illegal substances and weapons inside an apartment located just a short distance from Ben Hill Middle School, raising major concerns for families in the surrounding neighbourhood.
Authorities executed a search warrant on Friday, and according to reporting, detectives say they discovered an active methamphetamine and DMT lab run by 31-year-old Edward Royse, a three-time convicted felon. The investigation revealed a large assortment of drugs, firearms, and cash, all allegedly being processed within 1,000 feet of a school zone.
Deputies Find Massive Drug Assortment Inside the Apartment
Law enforcement officials reported that Royse was actively manufacturing methamphetamine (meth) and dimethyltryptamine (DMT) inside his Tampa residence. Investigators say their search uncovered a wide range of narcotics, many of which carry high trafficking penalties under Florida law.
Inside the apartment, deputies say they recovered:
- MDMA
- LSD
- Cocaine
- Fentanyl
- Ketamine
- Alprazolam
- Two firearms
- $4,100 in cash
Detectives noted that the drug lab’s proximity to Ben Hill Middle School significantly increases the severity of the charges due to enhanced penalties for manufacturing or selling drugs within 1,000 feet of a school.
Second Person Arrested in Connection With Drug Activity
Authorities also identified another person living in the home, 53-year-old Rosa Silva. Deputies reported that Silva possessed meth, MDMA, ketamine, cannabis, and sativa resin at the time of the search.
Silva is now facing several charges, including possession of meth with intent to sell or deliver, possession of cannabis less than 20 grams, possession of drug paraphernalia, and additional controlled-substance violations.
Long List of Charges Filed Against Primary Suspect
Royse is facing a far more extensive list of accusations. Detectives allege he was operating a fully functional drug manufacturing setup, supported by weapons and materials used for distribution. The Sheriff’s Office detailed the charges, which include:
- Manufacturing controlled substances
- Possession of cocaine with intent to sell or deliver within 1,000 feet of a school
- Four counts of felon in possession of a firearm
- Felon in possession of ammunition
- Three counts of armed trafficking in illegal drugs (28 grams to 30 kilograms)
- Armed trafficking in LSD (4 to 14 grams)
- Keeping a public nuisance structure for drug activity
- Two counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell or deliver
- Possession of a drug without a prescription
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Deputies say the operation posed significant risks to the community due to the chemicals, weapons, and volume of narcotics discovered inside the residence.
Sheriff’s Office Responds to Community Concerns
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the seriousness of the case, especially considering how close the operation was to a school. In a public statement shared on Facebook, officials addressed their commitment to removing illegal substances and violence from neighbourhoods.
“#teamHCSO remains committed to removing illegal drugs and weapons from our community,”
the Sheriff’s Office stated.
Officials say investigations into drug labs located near schools are treated with the highest priority due to the potential risk to students, teachers, and residents.
Broader Context: Dangers of Drug Manufacturing Labs
Drug labs such as those used to make methamphetamine are not only illegal but also extremely dangerous. The chemicals used in production are highly flammable, posing risks of explosions, fires, and toxic exposure. For residents living in multifamily buildings, these dangers are significantly amplified.
Communities often experience:
- Increased risk of accidental fires or chemical exposure
- Greater likelihood of associated criminal activity
- Long-term contamination that can make properties unsafe
These factors make drug manufacturing near a school particularly alarming for parents and local officials.
Community Safety Efforts Continue
The Sheriff’s Office reports that ongoing enforcement efforts aim to identify drug networks, prevent distribution, and protect school zones from criminal activity. Investigators say public awareness and community reports often play a crucial role in locating illegal operations.
As the case moves forward, both suspects remain in custody while authorities continue reviewing evidence collected during the search.
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