Sheriff Detectives Seize Nearly a Kilogram of Meth in Spring Hill Raid

Hernando County Sheriff’s Office detectives from the 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 following a months long investigation into alleged large scale methamphetamine sales from the address. Deputies arrested Justin Byrd, born August 14 1992, as the primary suspect and recovered approximately 932.9 grams of methamphetamine, three firearms and assorted ammunition, and several vehicles and ATVs that deputies initially suspected may be stolen.

Byrd, a convicted felon with a lengthy prior record, admitted ownership of the drugs and firearms during a post Miranda interview with detectives, according to the sheriff’s office. Records included in the agency release show Byrd had been a suspect in a grand theft auto case from October 5 2025, and deputies reported a vehicle fleeing incident was observed leaving the Mentmore Avenue residence during the investigation. Byrd is being held with no bond on the trafficking charge, and additional charges listed by the sheriff’s office include grand theft auto, fleeing to elude, DWLSR third or greater, tag related charges, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of a structure for trafficking, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The seizure and arrest are likely to be followed by state level prosecution on trafficking and weapons counts, and confirmation is pending on whether any of the recovered vehicles and ATVs are stolen. Investigators contacted the Florida Department of Children and Families after discovering a child was present during the search. The presence of a minor during alleged drug trafficking raises child welfare concerns for the community and may affect both criminal and dependency proceedings.

Local officials said the agency release included Crime Stoppers contact information for residents who have tips related to the case. The investigation underscores ongoing public safety challenges tied to illegal drug distribution, weapons possession by prohibited persons, and vehicle related crime in Hernando County neighborhoods.