Operation Results in Significant Reduction in Crime

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office concluded a month-long operation along the South 78th Street corridor, which significantly decreased overall crime.

The operation aimed to stop the increase in shootings and violent crimes in the area. During the operation, deputies arrested 217 individuals and seized a large amount of narcotics, money, and firearms.

A comparison of crime numbers for the same time frame from 2024 revealed a 35% decrease in overall crime. There were also no shootings during the operation.  

In addition to traffic stops, deputies served three search warrants. One of those search warrants was at the 24K Express, located at 7710 Madison Avenue in Tampa. The following items were recovered: 

• 5.2 pounds of marijuana
• $15,927 U.S. currency
• 82.6 grams of pills
• A large quantity of Sildenafil

Deputies arrested Kiran Seelam, 26, and charged him with Possession of Cannabis and Sale of Cannabis. Stephanie Gonzalez, 27, and Teeti Rezeq, 33, were also arrested and charged with Possession of Cannabis.

Results of the operation:

• 1,660 traffic stops.
• 217 total arrests were made.
• 233 citations.
• 1,149 written warnings.
• 3 search warrants were executed.
• $21,841 in U.S. currency seized.
• 15 firearms were recovered.
• 3,938 grams (approximately 9 lbs.) of marijuana were recovered.
• 48 grams of cocaine were recovered.
• 23 grams of MDMA were recovered.
• 62 grams of methamphetamine were recovered.
• 60 grams of fentanyl were recovered.
• 50 grams of spice were recovered.
• 20 grams of Xanax were recovered.
• 2 grams of ketamine were recovered.
• 476 grams of THC oil were recovered.
• 108 grams of oxycodone were recovered.

"This operation demonstrates our commitment to public safety in our community and a zero-tolerance policy for violent crimes," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "When we see criminal activity threatening the well-being of our residents, we will take immediate action. The results from this operation prove that targeted enforcement works. We will continue to use every tool we have to make our neighborhoods safer."