Collier County man convicted on drug trafficking, possession charges after 2024 arrest

A Collier County man was convicted on charges of drug trafficking and possession of drug paraphernalia on Wednesday, according to the State Attorney's Office. According to the SAO, Michael Duran, 57, was initially arrested in 2024 when a deputy with the Collier County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of 23rd Street Southwest and White Boulevard. A k-9 on the scene alerted to drugs in the vehicle. Behind the driver's seat of the vehicle was a postal service box that was partially open. A crystal substance was in plain view. The substance tested positive for methamphetamine, and there was nearly one pound of drugs inside. A guilty verdict against Duran was returned after a two-day trial in Collier County, and he was remanded into custody. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV