Sumter County sheriff’s deputies executed a search warrant Wednesday morning at a troubled property in The Villages.
The house at 1902 Antonia Place previously has made headlines.
Frustrated, overwhelmed neighbors showed up earlier this month at a Community Development District 1 supervisors’ meeting to complain about the unkempt property located near Tierra Del Sol Recreation Center. They also hinted at what they suspected was illicit activity at the home.
Shortly after 6 a.m., the might of the sheriff’s office descended on the problematic home. The SWAT team executed a search warrant obtained after a confidential informant helped orchestrate three drug buys on three different occasions at the home.
An older man with health issues owns the home. A niece had moved in and brought in other individuals who were said to be engaged in illegal activity. The niece has a long history of arrests dating back to 2007.
Chief Deputy Gary Brannen, who was at the scene before dawn, said golf cart parts had been discovered in the home. He indicated the home may have been used as a “chop shop.”
He said drugs and drug paraphernalia were in plain sight in the home.
The owner of the home is not believed to be involved in the illegal activity. A dog living in the home will remain with the owner.
Several people were being taken into custody this morning.
