GIFFORD — A raid on a Gifford home found drugs, weapons, and more than a dozen abused dogs, according to a press release by the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.
Members of the Indian River County Multi Agency Criminal Enforcement (MACE) Unit along with the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team served a search warrant at 3810 44th Place Tuesday.
The search warrant was expected to be the conclusion of a drug investigation that had spanned several weeks. However, investigators discovered eight puppies and four adult dogs in and around the home.
The pit bulls appeared to be malnourished and infested with fleas. At least one of the dogs had some minor cuts and abrasions but investigators and animal control officials have not indicated if the injuries were related to the illegal practice of dog fighting, according to the release.
According to authorities, MACE detectives were led to the home by an anonymous tip that indicated cocaine and possibly other illegal drugs were being sold out of the residence. Several undercover operations led to the probable cause necessary to serve Tuesday’s search warrant.
During a search of the home’s interior, investigators found nine bags of crack cocaine with a total weight of 15 grams, one gram of powder cocaine, 56 MDMA pills, 11 grams of methylone a.k.a “Molly,” approximately 429 grams of marijuana, multiple items of drug paraphernalia including a scales and needles, as well as a 9mm handgun and ammunition according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The home was unoccupied at the time but arrest warrants for the primary suspect will be forthcoming. MACE detectives noted there are still aspects of the drug investigation that are active and the suspect’s name is not being released at this time.
Indian River County Animal Control officers were called to the scene and removed the dogs from the yard. An investigation into animal abuse charges will be forthcoming, according to authorities.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the MACE Unit at 772-978-1217. Those wishing to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward up to $1,000, can provide information through Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-8477 or www.tcwatch.org.