An undercover Hillsborough County operation that quietly kicked off after a late-January tip ended last weekend with three people in custody and a stash of drugs taken off local streets. Deputies say investigators spent weeks working deep undercover, making controlled buys that set up a search warrant served last Saturday. Local lab testing later confirmed the haul included synthetic cannabinoids and concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine, and deputies say they also recovered more than $11,000 in suspected drug proceeds.
Arrests and evidence recovered
According to the Tampa Free Press, the probe began after a concerned citizen called deputies on Jan. 28, and investigators then “worked deep undercover for weeks” while buying products later tested by a local lab. The operation culminated when Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies executed a search warrant and arrested 22-year-old Mohammad Al Youssef, 19-year-old Samantha Gerts and 21-year-old Abdallah Abdel-Kader III at the scene.
Investigators say they found marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids and more than 100 tablets of 7-hydroxymitragynine inside the location, along with over $11,000 in cash believed to be proceeds from illegal sales.
Why 7-OH is a focus
Concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine – commonly called 7-OH – has drawn extra scrutiny because it binds to opioid receptors and can be significantly more potent than the kratom plant itself. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommended scheduling certain 7-OH products in July 2025 and has issued warning letters and consumer advisories about concentrated formulations, per the agency.
Florida followed up in August 2025 by adding 7-OH to the state’s Schedule I list, a move officials said would help regulators and law enforcement pull dangerous products from store shelves, according to Axios and federal communications.
Investigation remains active
The three suspects now face charges tied to the sale and possession of controlled substances, and the sheriff’s office told the Tampa Free Press the investigation remains active as deputies continue processing evidence…