Large Methamphetamine Seizure in Spring Hill, Suspect Held Without Bond

Detectives with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Vice and Narcotics Unit, Special Intelligence Unit, and Property Crimes Unit executed a residential search warrant at 5128 Mentmore Avenue in Spring Hill on December 12, 2025 following a several month long investigation into narcotics sales. Investigators recovered approximately 932.9 grams of methamphetamine, three firearms, and assorted ammunition. Justin Byrd, born August 14, 1992, was identified as the primary individual responsible for selling narcotics from the home and was taken into custody without incident. Two adult females and a child were present inside the residence at the time of the search.

During an interview after Miranda warnings were administered, Byrd admitted ownership of the narcotics and the firearms found on the property. Byrd is a convicted felon with 15 prior felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Deputies also located several vehicles and all terrain vehicles on the property that were initially believed to have been stolen or bartered for narcotics, though none were confirmed as stolen at this time.

Further investigation connected Byrd to a grand theft auto incident from October 5, 2025 in which a Dodge Ram 1500 was stolen from the Motel 6 at 6172 Commercial Way in Spring Hill. The same vehicle was later observed leaving the Mentmore Avenue residence and fled from Hernando County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Florida Highway Patrol troopers. Byrd admitted to possessing the stolen vehicle and to fleeing from law enforcement. Investigators also found a stolen license plate from Polk County on his person.

Byrd is being held at the Hernando County Detention Center without bond due to the trafficking charge. The charges listed include grand theft auto, fleeing to elude law enforcement, driving while license suspended or revoked third or subsequent offense, tag related to two or more prior convictions, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of a structure for trafficking a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The Department of Children and Families was contacted because a child was present in the residence with the narcotics.

The seizure and the presence of a child in a home where trafficking appears to have occurred highlight immediate public safety and child welfare implications for the county. Residents with information about illegal narcotics activity are encouraged to contact Hernando County Crime Stoppers at 1 866 990 8477 or submit a tip online at hernandocountycrimestoppers.com. The investigation remains active and law enforcement has indicated it will pursue prosecution of the charges listed.