A home on River Bay Drive in Tampa became the site of a major law enforcement operation Friday, culminating in the arrest of a 20-year-old man and the seizure of large quantities of drugs, a high-powered firearm, and thousands in cash.
The raid was carried out by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Gang Unit, following a targeted investigation. On November 21, 2025, HCSO’s SWAT Team executed a court-authorized search warrant at a residence in the 600 block of River Bay Drive.
Deputies identified the suspect as 20-year-old Justin Bueso, who was taken into custody after investigators uncovered what they described as a criminal operation running out of the home.
A significant haul of drugs and weapons
During the search, deputies seized:
- Over six pounds of marijuana
- Approximately 4.5 pounds of cannabis sativa resin
- About 120 grams of THC edibles
- More than 80 grams of psychedelic mushrooms
- Two ounces of prescription medication
- A Draco 7.62 firearm with a drum magazine and ammunition
- Approximately $6,700 in U.S. currency
Sheriff Chad Chronister said the case highlights how criminal networks attempt to blend into local neighborhoods while stockpiling illegal drugs, money, and weapons.
“This is a clear example of how gangs and criminal networks try to quietly operate out of our neighborhoods, stockpiling drugs, weapons, and cash,” Sheriff Chronister said. “Let this serve as a warning: if you bring this kind of activity into our community, we will find you, and we will hold you accountable. Our residents deserve to feel safe in their homes, not surrounded by criminal enterprises.”
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