What was initially a routine traffic stop quickly turned into a drug bust after a Florida Highway Patrol trooper found a man with 21 bags of marijuana.
The trooper initiated the traffic stop on the 33-year-old Apollo Beach man for following a car too closely on Tuesday morning on Interstate 75 in Sumter County.
As the trooper approached the car, he smelled burnt marijuana in the vehicle, according to the arrest report. When asked, the man claimed that he had a legal medical marijuana card.
The 33-year-old was allegedly driving a rental vehicle and did not have a valid driver's license but provided the trooper with his name, date of birth, and the rental agreement.
Another trooper and a K-9 eventually arrived at the scene as backup, and it wasn't long before the dog alerted the officers that the vehicle might be housing drugs. Upon inspection, the troopers found a black duffle bag in the backseat with 21 vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana, the arrest report reads.
The bags reportedly weighed a total of 24.40 lbs.
Troopers also found a grey shopping bag with large amounts of separated cash and loose cash in the center console, according to the report.
The man was arrested and charged with felonies for possession of marijuana over 20 grams, intent to sell or deliver, and a drug activity crime, according to the arrest report. He was also charged with a misdemeanor for possession and/or use of drug paraphernalia.
