Undercover Operation Leads to Drug Bust in Hillsborough County

Cover photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo by DEA | Flickr

A covert operation conducted by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) targeting illicit drug activity county-wide has led to the arrest of three suspects in Gibsonton.

According to a press release from HCSO, on December 5, 2024, their Street Crimes Unit conducted the undercover investigation and observed 34-year-old Roy Sprouse selling methamphetamine and fentanyl to Adolfo Regino, 29. Deputies were able to apprehend Sprouse without incident; however, Regino was quick to flee the scene.

The HCSO Aviation Section was called in to assist with tracking Regino, who was found near a residence off Corwin Street, where he was discovered hiding beneath a trailer near the residence. Upon arrival, deputies also located and arrested 40-year-old Anthony Greco, another known offender with active arrest warrants. Both suspects were taken into custody without incident.

HCSO reports that Regino, Greco, and Sprouse have extensive criminal histories and now face the following charges:
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Adolfo Regino:

• Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell or Deliver
• Driving with License Canceled, Suspended, or Revoked
• Resisting Officer without Violence
• Unlawful Possession of Personal Identification of Another
• Felon Carrying Concealed Weapon
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Delivery of a Controlled Substance x 2
• Possession of a Controlled Substance x 2
• Failure to Appear: Felon in Possession Firearm
• Failure to Appear: Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon
• Failure to Appear: Sexual Cyberharassment
• Failure to Appear: Violation of Domestic Violence Injunction
• Violation of Domestic Violence Injunction

Photo by Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office | Press Release

Anthony Greco:

• Failure to Appear: Felony Petit Theft
• VOP Felony Petit Theft Bond None x 2

Photo by Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office | Press Release

Roy Sprouse:

• Delivery of a Controlled Substance x 2

Photo by Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office | Press Release

"This operation is a testament to the exceptional coordination and expertise of our deputies and Aviation Section," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "By removing these individuals and these harmful substances from our streets, we are making all of Hillsborough County safer for our residents."

As of publication, the investigation is still on-going. Further updates regarding the case will be handled by The Public Affairs Office.

Article by Rachael Volpe