Spring Hill Drug Bust Nets Meth, Firearms and Stolen Vehicle

Detectives from 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, after a several month investigation into suspected methamphetamine sales from the address. The operation resulted in the arrest of 33 year old Justin Byrd, who was taken into custody without incident.

Searches of the residence and property turned up approximately 932.9 grams of methamphetamine, three firearms and assorted ammunition. Byrd is a convicted felon with 15 prior felony convictions and is legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. During an interview after being advised of his Miranda rights, Byrd acknowledged ownership of the narcotics and firearms found during the search. Two adult females and a child were present in the home at the time of the search. The Department of Children and Family Services was notified because a child was in the residence.

Investigators also identified several vehicles and all terrain vehicles on the property that were initially thought to be stolen or exchanged for drugs. At this time none of those vehicles are confirmed as reported stolen. Further inquiry linked Byrd to a reported grand theft auto from October 5, 2025, when a Dodge Ram 1500 was stolen from a Motel 6 located at 6172 Commercial Way in Spring Hill. The same vehicle was later observed leaving the Mentmore Avenue residence and subsequently fled from deputies and Florida Highway Patrol troopers. Byrd admitted possessing the stolen vehicle and fleeing from law enforcement, and he was found to be in possession of a stolen license plate from Polk County.

Byrd is being held at the Hernando County Detention Center on a no bond status because of the trafficking charge. Formal charges include grand theft auto, fleeing to elude law enforcement, driving while license suspended or revoked as a third or subsequent offense, tag related charges for two or more prior convictions, possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of a structure for trafficking a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The sheriff’s office reaffirmed its commitment to aggressively investigate and prosecute those involved in narcotics trafficking to protect community safety. Residents who have information about drug activity are encouraged to provide anonymous tips through Hernando County Crime Stoppers. The seizure underscores broader public safety concerns about the local impact of methamphetamine distribution and the risks to children living in or near sites of illegal activity.