Longtime drug trafficker arrested in Tampa; large cache of fentanyl seized

TAMPA, Fla. (WWSB) - A suspected longtime drug trafficker as been arrested in Tampa after deputes found 2,500 fentanyl pills at his home and workplace, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said.

In June, detectives working alongside the FBI and Homeland Security, launched an undercover investigation targeting a man believed to be selling large quantities of fentanyl in Hillsborough County.

The suspect, who originally identified himself as Eric Barnes, was found to be distributing pressed fentanyl pills.

Investigators discovered Barnes’ true identity is Lloyd Anton Blair, 47, a previously deported noncitizen who had illegally re-entered the U.S. and absconded from federal probation.

His whereabouts had been unknown for nearly a decade until this investigation exposed his activities. Detectives also confirmed Blair had been sought by the United States Marshals Service for human smuggling.

Blair used a local auto body repair shop on North Nebraska Avenue as a front to conduct drug deals.

On July 25, detectives found and arrested Blair at his home on Tangle Stone Drive in Gibsonton.

He was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for federal processing.

Search warrants were executed at both Blair’s residence and the auto body shop, resulting in the seizure of:

Approximately 2,500 pressed fentanyl pills

• One pound of fentanyl
• Half a pound of methamphetamine
• Half a pound of marijuana
• Over $4,000 in U.S. currency

“The amount of fentanyl we recovered in this case is staggering,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister.

Blair faces additional charges, including:

• Trafficking in fentanyl (14-28 grams)
• Trafficking in fentanyl (28 grams or more (two counts)
• Trafficking in amphetamine (200 grams or more)
• Possession of cannabis with intent to sell, manufacture or deliver

Detectives also obtained a search warrant for Blair’s phone and found two suspicious parcels. With the assistance of HSI, investigators intercepted 12 pounds of marijuana heading to the Tampa Bay area and three pounds of methamphetamine in California