The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Opioid Overdose Investigations Section and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Maritime Task Force concluded an investigation that resulted in the seizure of hundreds of pills, nearly $27,000, and the arrest of a suspect facing oxycodone trafficking charges.
On March 19, 2026, Brandan Swan, 50, disembarked from a cruise ship at Port Tampa Bay after traveling from Cozumel, Mexico. Ship personnel identified Swan as highly intoxicated and in need of medical assistance.
After receiving medical treatment, Swan was approached by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents. During the encounter, Swan admitted to ingesting pills, and additional pills were found in his luggage. A declaration provided by Swan before the luggage was examined revealed nearly $27,000 in U.S. currency and 545 unidentified pills.
In April 2026, HSI seized the pills and sent them in for testing. In August 2026, the results came back identifying the controlled substances as alprazolam, commonly known as Xanax, and Oxycodone. Detectives determined Swan did not have a valid prescription for the substances.
Following the investigation, HCSO and HSI’s Maritime Task Force accepted jurisdiction, and an arrest warrant was issued on October 8, 2026.
On October 10, 2026, Swan was arrested in Orange County, Florida. He is charged with:
- Trafficking in Oxycodone (100 Grams to 30 Kilograms)
- Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell or Deliver (Schedule IV)
Swan is currently awaiting extradition to Hillsborough County.
“We will not allow drug traffickers to use our ports or our community as a gateway to distribute dangerous controlled substances," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Our partnership with HSI sends a clear message: Hillsborough County is not a place to conduct illegal drug activity without consequences."
The Public Affairs Office will provide any updates regarding this investigation.
