Drug raid at 'problem hotel' nets 4 arrests in Pinellas Park

SWAT makes drug bust at hotel

Four people are facing felony drug charges after a long-term investigation at what Pinellas Park police call a "problem hotel." Genevieve Curtis reports.

PINELLAS PARK, Fla. - Four people are facing felony drug charges after a long-term investigation at what Pinellas Park police call a "problem hotel."

The backstory:

The Pinellas Park Police Department says SWAT officers and the Special Investigations Unit executed a search warrant at the Express Inn & Suites at 11333 U.S. 19 in the early morning hours on Tuesday.

Police say the raid came after detectives identified several people who were using the hotel as a base for drug deals, including fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and synthetic cannabinoids (aka "Spice").

The hotel is known to house short-term and long-term residents, including children, according to police.

Detectives arrested the following four suspects:

Valeri Schwab, 28

• Intent to sell/possess controlled substance within 1,000 ft of school (3 counts)
• Operating a drug house

Carlos Cruz, 49

• Sell/possess controlled substance within 1,000 ft of school (5 counts)
• Felon in possession of a firearm
• Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony
• Possession of a controlled substance (2 counts)

Anthony Roberts, 38

• Operating a drug house
• Intent to sell/possess controlled substance within 1,000 ft of school (3 counts)

Brent Ryan, 38

• Violation of probation (fentanyl possession)
• Resisting an officer without violence
• Possession of a controlled substance
• Violation of probation

Why you should care:

The drug operation was situated next to a school for children with autism, raising significant safety concerns. Police emphasized the risk posed by the drug activity, especially with children and bus stops nearby.

What they're saying:

"Bringing narcotics into an environment where children are present is not only reckless, it's despicable," Pinellas Park Police Chief Adam Geissenberger said in a statement. "The Pinellas Park Police Department will not stand by while criminals poison our community and endanger our future generations. Today's arrest sends a clear message to those who choose to sell narcotics in Pinellas Park."

What's next:

While the raid addressed immediate concerns, police said the investigation continues.