News

Actions

Dade City drug ring busted; suspect ran drug dealing operation from prison

Meth sold throughout Tampa Bay, 13 arrested
Posted

Inside a two story house, on a Cul-Del-Sac in Land O’ Lakes, investigators said Alfred Grabowski was dealing meth.

“It just goes to show you, you never know who your neighbors are,” said neighbor Phil Flaherty. 

Angel Amengual lives right across the street in the Tierra Del Sol subdivision.

“It took me completely by surprise. This doesn’t happen over here. This neighborhood is a pretty quiet neighborhood.”

The Pasco Sheriff's office with the help of the DEA and Dade City police arrested Grabowski and 12 others they say operated a multi-state drug dealing operation. 

“You are looking at a business enterprise,” said Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco.

Four of those arrested are in the U.S. illegally and face deportation.

The ring leader is in a California prison, but gave orders using a cell phone.

In all, the sheriff’s office said they confiscated 25,000 doses of meth.

“It’s a cheap garbage high and they are just trying to get people addicted so they can stuff their pockets with money,” said Jimmy DeCaprio with the Drug Enforcement Agency.

Investigators said Grabowski was ready for violence, keeping stash of guns inside.

And his door was barricaded to keep anyone from busting in.

“We all have to keep our eyes open. Now you don’t know who to trust,” said Amengual.

This ring sent drugs all over Tampa Bay even hiding cocaine in a toy tractor. 

Deputies said the neighborhoods where this crew operated are all a little safer tonight.

As for Grabowski’s efforts to keep people out of his home, you can see from the boarded up door, the SWAT team made it in without too much trouble.