An illegal drug operation was busted in Central Florida.
The Tampa narcotics operation was shut down by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
22-year-old Mohammad Al Youssef, 19-year-old Samantha Gerts, and 21-year-old Abdallah Abdel-Kader III were arrested.
What started as an anonymous tip turned into a multi-week undercover investigation, according to local law enforcement.
Deputies went undercover, purchasing products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine and substances that tested positive for synthetic cannabinoids.
7-hydroxymitragynine is classified as a controlled substance in Florida, making it illegal to possess or distribute. It is estimated to be 13 times more potent than morphine.
Deputies served a search warrant and seized synthetic cannabinoids, marijuana, more than 100 7-hydroxymitragynine tablets, and more than $11,000 in cash.
