Spring Hill Business Owner Arrested in Cocaine Trafficking Operation
SPRING HILL, Fla. — A lengthy investigation by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has led to the arrest of Pedro Martinez, the 54-year-old owner of Three J Jewelers, on charges related to trafficking and selling cocaine at his jewelry store.
Martinez, who operates the business on Deltona Boulevard in Spring Hill, is accused of using the storefront as a front for drug sales. According to HCSO, the investigation began after a tip was received alleging that cocaine was being sold at the store. Undercover agents conducted several sting operations, purchasing drugs from the location on at least four separate occasions.
Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis expressed concern about the impact of the operation, stating, “It’s hard to judge how many people are coming in here legitimately to sell things like their gold jewelry and how many of them are doing it for the drugs and associated with criminal activity.”
The investigation culminated last Friday when HCSO deputies executed a search warrant at Three J Jewelers, where they discovered cocaine, leading to Martinez’s arrest.
“With businesses like this operating alongside honest ones, it’s difficult to know who’s involved in criminal activity,” Nienhuis added. “But what’s happening here is over.”
Martinez now faces multiple charges, including trafficking in cocaine, sale of cocaine, possession of a structure with the intent to sell a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Christine Munser, who works at a nearby business, Kim’s Trims Salon, shared concerns about the situation, saying, “This is a very big walk-in business, and you don’t know what’s going to walk in the door. You certainly don’t want that next door.”
The sheriff also expressed alarm over the resurgence of cocaine in Hernando County, a trend that follows the earlier decline in the drug’s presence during the opioid crisis and the pill mill epidemic. “Cocaine kind of waned off a little bit during the pill mill crisis and stuff,” said Nienhuis. “And now, we may be seeing a resurgence, but we’re going to try to stay on top of it and prevent that.”
Despite the arrest, Three J Jewelers appeared to be operating on Tuesday, although without Martinez, who is currently being held in the Hernando County Jail on a $275,000 bond.
Sheriff Nienhuis also raised concerns about the risks associated with running a cash business involved in illegal activity. “When you’re dealing in a cash business like this, and you’re breaking the law, it really kind of puts a sign up to, ‘hey, come rob me, because I’m not going to call the cops.’”
Martinez’s arrest underscores ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to address drug trafficking and related criminal activities in Hernando County.
