FLORIDA — Nearly 400 grams of fentanyl were seized following a law enforcement operation that led to the arrest of two people at a home in Spring Hill, according to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff’s officials said detectives executed a search warrant Wednesday targeting 37-year-old Daniel Velazquez after an investigation determined he was selling large quantities of fentanyl throughout Hernando County. Deputies said Velazquez was initially seen in the front yard of the residence but fled into the garage with his girlfriend, Jahira Rodriguez, when officers arrived.
According to investigators, detectives breached the garage door and found Velazquez inside a bathroom attempting to flush narcotics down a toilet. Deputies said he refused to comply with commands. During the arrest, K-9 Odin was deployed, and Velazquez sustained a K-9 bite before being transported to a hospital for treatment.
Authorities said Rodriguez also refused to comply with commands and attempted to conceal Velazquez while he tried to destroy evidence. After she was taken into custody, deputies said a small amount of methamphetamine and marijuana was found in her purse.
In an effort to recover the flushed drugs, deputies accessed the home’s septic tank and plumbing system. Investigators said they located multiple plastic baggies containing a white powdery substance, including one larger bag found after the toilet was dismantled. All of the substances tested positive for fentanyl.
After being treated at the hospital, Velazquez was interviewed and admitted to selling fentanyl and attempting to destroy the evidence by flushing it down the toilet, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies said the garage had been converted into an Airbnb by the homeowner and was being rented by Velazquez at the time of the arrest.
In total, investigators seized 383.9 grams of fentanyl, 6.5 grams of methamphetamine, 5 grams of marijuana, and one alprazolam pill.
Velazquez faces multiple charges, including four counts of trafficking in fentanyl, possession of methamphetamine, possession of alprazolam, felony evidence tampering, maintaining a structure for trafficking fentanyl, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Rodriguez is charged with resisting an officer without violence, possession of marijuana, and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.
Both were taken to the Hernando County Detention Center. Authorities said Velazquez is being held without bond, while Rodriguez’s bond was revoked due to a prior criminal case.
