On Friday, Judge Steven Merryday sentenced 28-year-old Zavien Brand to 31 years in federal prison for distribution of crack cocaine, possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, and being a felon in possession of firearms. He entered a plea of guilty on April 10, 2012.

Court documents stated that a “Pines Operation” was initiated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in an effort to combat ongoing drug and gang activity in apartment complexes located in Tampa.

Authorities arrested 52 people on state or federal charges as a result of the operation. During the course of the operation, Brand allegedly sold five guns to undercover officers on five different occasions. On seven occasions, Brand reportedly sold crack cocaine to undercover authorities while he was carrying a firearm.

At the time of the offenses, Brand had at least five prior state felony convictions.