A Miami man was apprehended by Key Biscayne police for carrying cannabis THC “carts” and is now facing 104 felony drug charges. In addition to the drugs, the police also found a loaded 9mm handgun and $4,000 in cash in his possession. The suspect was taken into custody and charged accordingly.
Police Chief Frank Sousa stated that the assumption is that the individual was present to sell, and that is the current focus of their investigation.
After a routine traffic stop in the early hours of Friday morning, Nicholas Guerrero, 18, was apprehended by the police. Despite facing a drug charge and two misdemeanor weapon counts, he pleaded not guilty. Court records indicate that he was released on a $500 bond.
Authorities took into custody a 17-year-old male juvenile, however, the specific charges against him are currently undisclosed.
Detective Carlos Ugalde stated in the arrest affidavit that while he was on patrol at Crandon Boulevard near the Crandon Marina, he noticed a blue Porsche SUV speeding and changing lanes erratically without signaling. The SUV was heading southbound and was eventually stopped near the g Golf Course.
Upon issuing a traffic citation for careless driving, the driver was found to emit a strong odor of burning cannabis according to Ugalde. Law enforcement officers conducted a search and discovered drug paraphernalia in plain view, along with a pistol beneath Guerrero’s front passenger seat. Additionally, over 100 “carts” of THC were uncovered during the search.
People often turn to THC carts as a substitute for smoking marijuana in its traditional plant form. These carts are widely available for purchase online and are legal in numerous states across the US. However, in Florida, only medical marijuana is currently permitted. Nevertheless, a proposed constitutional amendment scheduled for the November ballot would legalize recreational use, allowing individuals to possess up to 5 grams of concentrated THC.
According to the arrest affidavit, the detective stated that the significant amounts of cash in denominations of 20s, 50s, and 100s are indicative of drug sales at the street level, based on their expertise and experience.
At first, Ugalde reported that the accused opted to stay quiet. However, after his rights were read to him, he had a change of heart and asserted that he was the rightful owner of the cash, weapon, and THC carts.