TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A spring break operation in Florida led to more than 20 arrests over the weekend, as officers scoped out illegal activity in Tampa bars and clubs.
On Saturday, Tampa police initiated a narcotics investigation, leading to the arrests of a 19-year-old and a 23-year-old.
At a club located on Tampa’s East 7th Avenue, 19-year-old Matthew Shaffer allegedly sold fentanyl to an officer in the bathroom. Officials said Shaffer had nearly 18 grams of fentanyl in his possession.
At another bar located in the same block, 23-year-old Joseph Azucena allegedly sold cocaine to officers.
Shaffer was arrested and charged with delivery of a controlled substance and trafficking in fentanyl, while Azucena was arrested on charges of delivery of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Throughout the weekend, police made six DUI arrests, 210 traffic stops and 21 other arrests.
“Ensuring our community is safe during spring break and all year round is our number one priority,” Chief Lee Bercaw said. “I want to send a clear message: there is no tolerance for this behavior in Tampa.”