Crime & Safety

Synthetic Drug Sting Bites 2 Citrus Park Residents

The men, who live off of Sheldon Road, were arrested May 14 during a Pasco sweep targeting those who sell synthetic drugs.

Two Citrus Park residents were among four arrested when Pasco County Sheriff's deputies conducted a May 14 crackdown on stores that sell synthetic drugs to their customers.

Dubbed Operation Consequences, the crackdown came on the heels of warnings from the sheriff's office that it would be going after businesses that make Spice, K2 and other synthetic drugs available to customers.

To prove their point, Pasco deputies raided three stores suspected of selling synthetic drugs on Tuesday. Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi even went along for the ride at one of the busts.

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The following stores were searched during Pasco's sweep:

  • Super K, 12838 U.S. 19, Hudson
  • Mobile, 7011 Massachusetts Ave, New Port Richey
  • Boost Mobile, 3448 Grand Blvd., Holiday

Four people were arrested in Tuesday’s raid. They were charged with sale and possession of controlled substance and violation of the Pasco County ordinance on sale of synthetic drugs. 

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Those arrested are:

  • Mohammed Kamaluadin, 39 Hudson Ridge Drive, Apt. 304, Port Richey
    (Raid at Super K)
  • Sikander Noorani, 57, 8841 Cameron Crest Drive, Tampa. (Mobile)
  • Ahmad Rabei, 19, 3915 Berwick Drive, New Port Richey (Raid at Boost Mobile)
  • Noor Jehan Merchant, 57, 8841 Cameron Crest Drive, Tampa,  store clerk (Raid at mobile)

Merchant and Noorani were being booked into the Land O' Lakes Jail. Booking and bond information was not available as of press time.

Synthetic Drugs Also a Concern in Hillsborough

Deputies in Hillsborough County have also been focusing their attention on stopping the flow and sale of synthetic drugs.

Earlier this year, the county passed its own ordinance designed to curtail sales, manufacture and distribution. Recent busts in Hillsborough have targeted stores and manufacturing facilities not too far from Westchase.

How much of a problem do you think synthetic drugs are in the Westchase area? Tell us by commenting below.


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