United States Drug Enforcement Administration

TAMPA, Fla. –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the arrest of Perry Ivory Wims (37, Tampa) on a criminal complaint charging possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Wims was arrested on March 9, 2023 and ordered detained pending the outcome of his case.

According to the complaint, the Tampa Police Department (TPD) learned Wims was selling fentanyl out of his room at the Garden View Motel located at 2500 E. Busch Blvd. in Tampa, Florida. Based on that information, TPD obtained a warrant authorizing the search of Wims’ motel room. Prior to the execution of the warrant, officers observed Wims exit his motel room with a pistol tucked in the waistband of his shorts. Additionally, TPD learned that Wims had a verbal altercation with unknown individuals shortly before the execution of the warrant, during which Wims pointed a gun at people with whom he was arguing.

During the execution of the search warrant, officers located approximately 283 grams of a substance that field-tested positive for fentanyl, a loaded Ruger 9mm pistol, a Zaviar Arms AR-style pistol, $3,705 in cash, and other suspected narcotics. 

Wims previously received a 15-year sentence in federal court for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He completed serving that sentence on December 21, 2022. 

A complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration Tampa District Office. It will be prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.

If you are aware of controlled substance violations in your community, please submit your anonymous tip through the DEA online Tip Line at Submit a Tip | DEA.gov.  Concerns about prescription drug abuse or diversion can be reported to the DEA through this link: RX Abuse Online Reporting (usdoj.gov).

The DEA encourages parents, teachers, care givers, guardians, and children to educate themselves about the dangers of drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at www.JustThinkTwice.com , www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com, www.CampusDrugPrevention.gov, and www.dea.gov.

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