INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office raided what it calls a “drug den” in Gifford, seizing drugs, weapons, drug money and counterfeit cash. At least seven of the weapons have been confirmed stolen.
The Sheriff’s Office made the announcement Saturday morning that the Special Investigations Unit had been working these last two months, investigating and conducting narcotics purchases at a house located in the 2800 block of 44th Street.
The resident, identified as Tony Fuller, 38, was found in possession of at least one AR-15 rifle with a drum magazine. Fuller was taken into custody without incident.
“When our detectives entered the home, they discovered a drug den,” Sheriff Deryl Loar said in a prepared statement. “Drugs and guns were located in every room. Fuller had an altar made of rocks with money and drugs adorning it. Our community is safer today with Mr. Fuller behind bars where he belongs.”
The Sheriff’s Office SWAT team, K-9, ATF and DEA were all involved in the raid, according to Major Eric Flowers, spokesman for the Sheriff’s Office.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, detectives located and seized the following: three AK-47 rifles with bump stocks and drum magazines, two AR-15 rifles modified to fully automatic, a foreign-made SKS rifle, a Ruger mini 14 rifle, two AR-15 pistols with brass catchers, a 30/06 scoped rifle, a 30-30 scoped rifle, two Kel Tek .380 handguns, three Glock .45 caliber handguns, a Glock .40 handgun, and Smith & Wesson .357 and .38 revolvers.
“We are confident that even more crimes will solved as a result of this arrest,” Sheriff Loar said. “This is outstanding work by our entire team.”
They also seized $7,249 in “drug money,” along with $12,000 in counterfeit money.
Drugs seized include 637 prescription pills, 184 grams of Molly, 123 grams of MDMA, 360 grams of marijuana, 7 grams of cocaine, more than a pound of codeine/promethazine syrup, as well as scales, packaging, and other drug paraphernalia.
Fuller was arrested and charged with 19 counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, two counts of possession of a machine gun, two counts of possession of a bump stock, trafficking in heroin, 10 counts of possession with intent to sell – prescription pills, cocaine, marijuana, and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Fuller will also face charges on six outstanding arrest warrants obtained as part of the undercover operation including charges of sale of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a church.
Fuller is being held at the Indian River County Jail without bond.
Photos provided by Indian River County Sheriff’s Office
