Tampa Smoke Shop Owner Accused of Buying Narcotics on Dark Web

Authorities say the owner used cryptocurrency to purchase drugs and sell them in the Bay Area

Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The owner of two Hippie Crib smoke shops in Tampa, Ryan Perez, has been arrested in Spring Hill, Florida. Authorities say Perez was using cryptocurrency to buy narcotics on the dark web and selling them in the Tampa Bay area. The investigation began over a year ago and a break in the case came after a fatal overdose in December 2025.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of drug dealers using the dark web and cryptocurrency to obtain and distribute dangerous synthetic drugs. It also raises concerns about the proliferation of smoke shops being used as fronts for illegal drug operations.

The details

According to the Hernando County Sheriff's Office, Perez was buying chemicals from China, India, and Europe and packaging them to distribute in the Tampa Bay area. The drugs included potent synthetic opioids, cannabinoids, and other controlled substances. When investigators searched Perez's home, they found large quantities of MDMA, LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, and marijuana. Perez's wife Adina and another person were also arrested during the raid.

  • The investigation into Perez began over a year ago.
  • A break in the case came on December 26, 2025 after a fatal overdose in Pasco County.

The players

Ryan Perez

The owner of two Hippie Crib smoke shops in Tampa, Florida who is accused of using cryptocurrency to buy narcotics on the dark web and selling them in the Tampa Bay area.

Adina Perez

Ryan Perez's wife who was also arrested during the search warrant for having a trafficking amount of MDMA.

Al Nienhuis

The Hernando County Sheriff who provided details about the investigation and arrests.

Danny Escobar

A Special Agent with the DEA Tampa Field Division who said investigators found crypto-machines during the search of the Hippie Crib smoke shops.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The subject himself was buying chemicals from China, from India, from European countries, packaging it and distributing it from those locations. Those chemicals have all kinds of controlled substances in them. Unbeknownst to the user, they have potent synthetic opioids, cannabinoids, K2, spice and a host of others. When you go buy these type of vape cartridges you don't know exactly what you are getting.”

— Danny Escobar, Special Agent, DEA Tampa Field Division

“I wasn't sure exactly how long Ryan Perez was operating in the Bay Area, but I believe it was for a while.”

— Al Nienhuis, Hernando County Sheriff

What’s next

Authorities say they will continue to investigate the full scope of Perez's alleged drug operation and any potential accomplices.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing threat of synthetic drugs being distributed through online marketplaces and smoke shops, underscoring the need for increased vigilance and collaboration between law enforcement and the community to combat the opioid crisis.