Ybor City bar, nightclub employees arrested for selling drugs

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Several Ybor City bar and nightclub employees have been arrested after a two-month undercover drug-buy operation, in accordance with the Tampa Police Department (TPD).

During “Operation Last Call,” which occurred between July and September, undercover detectives carried out a number of drug purchases after being made conscious that they have been being bought at Ybor City bars and nightclubs.

TPD mentioned throughout Operation Last name, “drugs, ranging from cocaine to Adderall,” have been purchased on the Southern Nights membership, White Lie bar, Coyote Ugly Saloon and Tangra Nightclub.

“[The] suspects were working in various roles, including bartenders, servers and promoters at the establishments,” TPD mentioned in a press launch. “They would conduct their transactions with customers by passing the drugs to clients through shot glasses, underneath trays and inside of receipt holders.”

After issuing six warrants, the next 4 suspects have been arrested:

• Brandon Brinson, 33, a bartender at Southern Nights
  • Arrested on Sept. 13
  • Two prices of supply of a managed substance inside 100 ft of a church as a result of nightclub being close to a church

• Carlos Diaz, 33, who labored as a bartender at Tangra
  • Arrested on Sept. 14
  • One rely of supply of a managed substance inside 100 ft of a church

• Promise Toby, 30, who labored as a bartender on the White Lie bar
  • Arrested on Sept. 18
  • Three counts of supply of a managed substance inside 100 ft of a church and arrested on a failure to look (working an unregistered automobile and driving with license suspended)

• Ashley Poole, 32, a server at Coyote Ugly
  • Arrested on Sept. 20
  • Two counts of supply of a managed substance inside 100 ft of a church

“We will not tolerate individuals using businesses in our city as their playground for illegal activity,” mentioned Chief Mary O’Connor. “Ybor City is one of the most popular attractions in Tampa for both our residents and tens of thousands of visitors to our city every month. We will continue working to keep this area meant for fun as a safe place to visit.”

TPD mentioned officers anticipated to make at the least two extra arrests.