Two drug dealers arrested, drugs were in children’s reach

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Andrew Eden [left] and Victoria Thurow
Ocala, Florida — Two drug dealers are off the street after detectives discovered a couples drug operation while serving a warrant this week.

On Wednesday, Marion County Sheriff’s Detective Tortora and Deputy McQuaig responded to 3841 Northeast 16th Avenue, Ocala, in reference to a warrant check on Andrew W. Eden, 28.

Eden had an active warrant for Robbery by Sudden Snatching.

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According to reports, when the detective and deputy made contact with Eden at the front door of the residence, they could smell a strong odor of marijuana emitting from the residence.

As they were securing Eden, his live-in girlfriend, Victoria Thurow, 29, entered the house and walked to a back bedroom.

Detective Tortora and Deputy McQuaig reported that when Thurow entered a back bedroom, they could hear glass breaking.

As Detective Tortora and Deputy McQuaig conducted a sweep of the residence, Detective Tortora saw, in plain view, a box containing marijuana.

At that time, based on what Detective Tortora had observed, a search warrant was requested. It was approved and signed by Judge McCune.

During the search, detectives located six (6) marijuana plants inside the residence. An additional 54 marijuana plants were located in a shed that was located on the property.

Detectives also recovered 74 grams of cocaine, 37 grams of heroin, five (5) hydrocodone pills, three (3) 60mg morphine pills, two (2) xanax, and one (1) 8mg hydromorphine pill.

Also recovered were multiple items used to cultivate and sell marijuana, a loaded .38 caliber revolver with six (6) rounds of live ammunition, a loaded .25 caliber with five (5) rounds of live ammunition, and five (5) cell phones. A records check revealed that the .25 caliber had been reported stolen following a residential burglary out of Dunnellon in 2011.

In addition to drugs and weapons, detectives located and recovered $38,600 in cash.

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$38,600 in cash

According to reports, the marijuana plants were less than two (2) feet from the children’s bed in their bedroom. The heroin and cocaine was located within three (3) feet of an infant’s bassinet.

There were a total of four (4) children living inside the residence, whose ages ranged from infant to four (4) years old.

Eden was charged with Robbery by Sudden Snatching, Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon, Grand Theft of a Firearm, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, Cruelty Toward a Child- Child Abuse (x4), Cultivation of Marijuana, Trafficking in Cocaine, Drugs Trafficking of other Controlled Substances, Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription (x4), and Use or Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Eden is being held on a $151,000 bond.

He has previous charges for Flee and Elude Police, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Providing a False Name to a LEO, Battery, Driving While Licensed Revoked (x4), and Possession of Marijuana.

Thurow was charged with Resisting Arrest, Grand Theft of a Firearm, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, Child Abuse (x4), Cultivation of Marijuana, Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription (x4), Trafficking in Cocaine, Trafficking in Opium, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

She is being held on $132,000 bond.

Thurow has previous arrests for Trafficking in Opium and Possession of Marijuana.

The Department of Children and Families was notified in this case.