Child overdose leads to arrest during drug investigation by DEA and Pinellas Park police

A man is facing federal charges after a months-long drug investigation involving the DEA.

PINELLAS PARK, Fla. — A Pinellas Park man is now facing federal charges following a multi-agency investigation into drug distribution and a child overdose case.

The Pinellas Park Police Department says that, with the help of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Rayshawn Smith, 31, was arrested Tuesday.

Officers said that Smith’s arrest took place following a narcotics investigation that lasted several months in 2025.

According to Pinellas Park police, Smith was being investigated for various drug crimes by detectives in the municipality.

As the investigation unfolded, officers said that in November 2025, Smith’s infant child ingested and overdosed on fentanyl. Smith’s kid survived after requiring “significant” medical treatment.

The case of Smith’s child sparked a joint investigation between Pinellas Park police and the DEA, and in Jan. 14, 2026, officers say they executed a search warrant at his residence.

Detectives executing the warrant reportedly located and seized illegal narcotics, firearms and drug paraphernalia.

Officials say Smith was indicted on several federal offenses on March 31, including the distribution of controlled substances resulting in great bodily injury, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, drug distribution and possession of a firearm and ammunition while being a felon.

Smith was taken to the Pinellas County Jail.