On 04-22-16, detectives with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Vice and Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant on an active marijuana grow operation located at 25318 Ash Street in Brooksville.
The search warrant was the result of a lengthy investigation where undercover Vice and Narcotics detectives received information from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office that the Ash Street residence was linked to their Operation named “Hydro Hustlers.”
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office began Operation “Hydro Hustlers” in March of 2015. As a result of the investigation, a Cuban drug trafficking organization was identified, consisting of individuals that have been cultivating and harvesting marijuana in several grow houses around Hillsborough, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Polk, and Suwannee counties.
At approximately 8 a.m., Hernando County Vice detectives made contact with three individuals inside the Ash Street residence. All three were taken into custody without incident. Pursuant to the search, detectives located over 50 marijuana plants totaling 85 pounds, grow equipment, and power diversion. Members of Withlacoochee River Electric responded to the scene and were able to safely disconnect the wires that were utilized for the power diversion.
Individuals arrested from today’s search warrant were found to be Cuban citizens with links to the Hillsborough county operation.
Link to Operation Hydro Hustlers: http://www.hcso.tampa.fl.us/About-HCSO/Press-Releases/Releases/2016/March/16-100.aspx
The individuals below were arrested on scene and charged as follows:
Yariel Gomez Ortega W/M 08/27/1986
– Manufacturing of marijuana
– Possession of a structure for the purpose of manufacturing marijuana
– Possession of marijuana over 20 grams
– Possession of drug paraphernalia
– Bond – $ 10,000
Dynleki Santana W/M 09/09/1977
– Manufacturing of marijuana
– Possession of a structure for the purpose of manufacturing marijuana
– Possession of marijuana over 20 grams
– Possession of drug paraphernalia
– Bond – $ 10,000
Elianys Roque Cabrera W/F 09/11/1995
– Manufacturing of marijuana
– Possession of a structure for the purpose of manufacturing marijuana
– Possession of marijuana over 20 grams
– Possession of drug paraphernalia
– Bond – $ 10,000.