FLORIDA — A 36-year-old man was arrested Tuesday after authorities say nearly 12 pounds of ketamine were shipped to his Hernando County home concealed inside hollowed-out candles.
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a residence on Tiburon Avenue in Spring Hill after receiving information that a large quantity of ketamine hydrochloride was being mailed to the home from outside the United States.
During the search, investigators found a package containing 20 large wax candles that had been hollowed out and used to hide multiple bags of a white, crystal-like substance. A field test indicated the substance was ketamine, weighing almost 12 pounds, according to deputies.
The resident, Ting Zheng, 36, a citizen of China who is in the United States on a work visa, was arrested following the search.
Zheng is charged with possession of ketamine with intent to sell and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The sheriff’s office said it has notified U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement because of the nature of the charges. ICE officials are aware of the arrest and are monitoring the case for possible immigration enforcement action, including the potential issuance of a detainer.
The investigation remains ongoing.
