Tampa, FL — A shocking drug raid just steps from a local middle school has led to the arrest of a 31-year-old three-time felon, after deputies uncovered a full-scale meth and DMT lab along with a stockpile of drugs and weapons.
Search Warrant Uncovers Drug Lab Near School
Detectives with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on Friday, discovering a sprawling narcotics operation inside an apartment located less than 1,000 feet from Ben Hill Middle School in Tampa.
Inside the unit, deputies say they found evidence of active drug manufacturing, including materials used to produce methamphetamine (meth) and dimethyltryptamine (DMT).
The primary suspect was identified as Edward Royse, 31, a triple-convicted felon accused of running the operation.
Drugs, Guns, and Cash Found Inside the Apartment
Deputies reported finding a staggering variety of illegal substances and weapons, including:
- MDMA
- LSD
- Ketamine
- Cocaine
- Fentanyl
- Alprazolam
- Two firearms
- $4,100 in cash
Investigators say the setup showed clear signs of drug production and distribution, especially concerning due to the proximity to the school, as per CBS12.
Second Occupant Also Arrested
Another resident, Rosa Silva, 53, was also taken into custody after detectives found meth, MDMA, ketamine, cannabis, and sativa resin in her possession.
Silva faces several charges, including:
- Possession of meth with intent to sell or deliver
- Two counts of possession of a controlled substance
- Possession of cannabis under 20 grams
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Possession of cannabis sativa resin
Long List of Charges for Primary Suspect
Royse’s charges are significantly more severe. Deputies said he faces:
- 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 (28g–30kg)
- Armed trafficking in LSD (4–14g)
- Maintaining 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
Authorities emphasized that the location of the drug lab — so close to children — made the case even more alarming.
Sheriff’s Office Responds to the Case
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement on Facebook following the arrests, writing:
“#teamHCSO remains committed to removing illegal drugs and weapons from our community.”
Deputies also highlighted the dangers of high-potency substances like fentanyl being manufactured near schools and residential areas.
Community on Alert
This bust has reignited concern in the community about hidden drug operations — especially those operating in family-oriented neighborhoods. Parents and residents near the middle school expressed relief that the lab was discovered before further production or distribution could take place.
Should penalties be harsher for drug operations found near schools? Drop your thoughts, reactions, and concerns in the comments below — we want to hear from you.
