2 men arrested in drug raid at Leesburg property known as ‘The Carwash’

Two men were arrested following a narcotics raid on a Leesburg property. According to investigators, the location has a lengthy history of drug activity and violent crime.

According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, detectives conducted a search warrant on April 23 at 1645 Veech Road, also known as “The Carwash.”

According to investigators, the premise is a false business where many people assemble to distribute narcotics. The sheriff’s office also stated that the site was tied to a 2021 homicide investigation that resulted in a murder conviction.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team secured the area before narcotics detectives arrived.

Authorities said they discovered cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, cannabis, multicolored pills that seemed to be ecstasy but tested positive for methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and two weapons, one of which was reported stolen in Leesburg in October 2025.

According to authorities, the substances collected comprised about 2 ounces of cocaine, 1.5 ounces of crack cocaine, 14 grams of methamphetamine, 4 grams of fentanyl, 30 pills, and 1 pound of cannabis.

Dara G. Ostane, 43, was arrested on accusations of armed cocaine trafficking, possession of cannabis over 20 grams with intent to sell, possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, felony possession of a handgun, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The sheriff’s office stated that Ostane was recently released from jail after serving more than 22 years for a 1999 homicide in Lake County. Investigators stated that he was denied bond.

Steve L. Roberts, 56, was also arrested on counts of methamphetamine with intent to sell, fentanyl with intent to sell, cannabis with intent to sell, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Investigators stated that Roberts was also denied bond.

Detectives from the Clermont, Eustis, Groveland, and Leesburg police departments participated with the investigation.

The affidavit related to the search warrant is still sealed by court order.