Tampa, FL — A month-long undercover drug operation by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has led to the arrest of more than a dozen convenience store owners and clerks accused of selling synthetic marijuana and other illegal drugs from behind the counter.
According to authorities, deputies executed simultaneous raids on Thursday at seven convenience stores across the University area of Tampa, uncovering large quantities of illegal substances and cash.
Stores Involved in the Operation
The stores targeted during the bust include:
- Sunset Market and Deli, 18440 Livingston Avenue, Lutz
- Discount Food Mart, 1709 East Bearss Avenue, Tampa
- Aladdin Market, 2202 East Bearss Avenue, Tampa
- Quick Mart Citgo, 701 East Bearss Avenue, Tampa
- Marathon, 309 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa
- Food Town Supermarket, 1904 East 131st Avenue, Tampa
- Silver Dollar Foods, 4330 North 40th Street Avenue, Tampa
During the raids, deputies seized synthetic marijuana (K2/Spice), THC gummies, cocaine, mushrooms, sativa resin, and more than $40,000 in cash.
Synthetic Marijuana: A Dangerous Drug Disguised as “Herbal Incense”
Authorities warned that synthetic marijuana, often sold under the names K2 or Spice, poses severe health risks despite being marketed as a legal alternative to traditional cannabis.
Medical professionals stress that these lab-made chemicals are far more potent than marijuana and can have life-threatening effects.
“It’s a chemical… It hits the same receptors in the brain as marijuana but is so much more powerful,” said Dr. Steven Goldberg, Chief Medical Officer at HealthTrackRx.
Health Dangers Associated with Synthetic Marijuana
Dr. Goldberg explained that the compounds seized during the Hillsborough raids can trigger a range of serious medical conditions, including:
- Psychosis and hallucinations
- Severe changes in mental status
- Chest pain and shortness of breath
- Dangerous intoxication levels
- Hospitalization due to overdose symptoms
“It can trigger euphoria or giddiness — but also psychosis and mental instability,” he added, emphasizing that the THC-based products circulating today are far stronger than those from past decades, increasing the risk of addiction and medical emergencies.
Community and Law Enforcement Response
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office stated that these undercover operations are part of a broader effort to protect communities from unregulated and dangerous drugs being sold at local convenience stores.
Officials said the arrests should serve as a warning to other store owners who may be engaged in similar illegal sales.
Community leaders and parents are being urged to educate young people about the risks of these products and to report suspicious activity to local law enforcement.
“Know what you’re putting into your body… talk to your kids… and realize the marijuana of today is much more powerful than in the past,” Dr. Goldberg advised.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities confirmed that the investigation remains active, and additional arrests may follow as deputies trace the supply chain of the seized substances.
Officials said that collaboration with federal agencies may also be possible as they work to dismantle networks distributing synthetic marijuana across Florida.
What are your thoughts on synthetic marijuana being sold in local stores? Should law enforcement take stricter action against retailers caught selling these dangerous products, or should the focus shift to public education? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
