TAMPA, FL — Three people are facing charges in connection with an illegal narcotics operation that was discovered in Tampa following an investigation by Hillsborough County authorities.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, authorities first received a tip about the operation in January.
Following the report, deputies went undercover and purchased products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine, as well as substances that tested positive for synthetic cannabinoids.
According to authorities, 7-hydroxymitragynine was classified as a controlled substance in Florida last August, making it illegal to possess or distribute. It is estimated to be 13 times more potent than morphine.
On Saturday, deputies executed a search warrant at an unspecified location and seized synthetic cannabinoids, marijuana, more than 100 7-hydroxymitragynine tablets and more than $11,000 in cash.
The following three people were arrested and charged in connection with the investigation:
Mohammad Al Youssef, 22, was charged with delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a church and possession of a controlled substance.
Samantha Gerts, 19, was charged with delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a church, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of counterfeit personal identification information.
Abdallah Abdel-Kader III, 21, was charged with delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a church and possession of a controlled substance.