Convenience store owner accused of trafficking drugs

Bradford County Sheriff's Office says drugs were being sold and traded

Bradford County Sheriff's Office booking photo of Don Hapuarachchi

STARKE, Fla. – The owner of Edwards Grocery was arrested by deputies from the Bradford County Sheriff's Office Thursday afternoon.

Sheriff's Office officials say they have received tips illegal drugs were being traded and sold by the owner at the store on State Road 100 in Starke.  Deputies say detectives were able to catch a transaction in progress Thursday and immediately moved in to close down the business.

Don Hapuarachchi was arrested on two counts of trafficking hydrocodone and two counts of possession of an illegal drug with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school.

Recommended Videos



Police say they recovered over 1,000 packs of synthetic marijuana. Sources in the investigation claim each pack was being sold for $20 by the business.

Hapuarachchi will appear before a judge on Friday.