Three charged after Tampa coke sting

TAMPA -- An undercover drug sting conducted by Tampa Police and Hillsborough Sheriff's detectives landed three people in jail Saturday.

Investigators said Israel A. Juarez, 31, of Brandon, left, and Jelyn J. Ponce, 27, center, were arrested after they delivered 2 kilograms of cocaine to an undercover detective, who gave the two $46,000 in cash.

Detectives then went to Ponce's apartment at 5510 N Himes Ave., where they found 1 gram of crack cocaine, 15 grams of marijuana and two empty wrappers believed to have contained
a kilogram of cocaine.  Detectives also found three counterfeit kilograms of cocaine.

Carlos Ramirez, 23, right, who jail logs show lived with Ponce, was arrested on charges of possession of crack cocaine and possession of marijuana.

Authorities estimated the seized cocaine had a street value of $150,000. Investigators also seized
$930 in cash from the apartment.

-- Casey Cora, Times staff writer

Booking photos courtesy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office