DeSoto County traffic stop leads to meth trafficking, gun charges, sheriff’s office says

DESOTO COUNTY, Fla. (WINK) — A routine traffic stop for speeding led to the seizure of 77 grams of methamphetamine and an AR-15 rifle, according to the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office.

Deputy Pandolfi pulled over a van traveling 75 mph in a 60-mph zone. As he approached the driver's door, he spotted an AR-15 between the center console and the driver's seat, according to the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office.

The driver, Dewayne Rose, is a six-time convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms, according to the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office. A license checks revealed Rose's driver's license was suspended.

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Corporal Santana and K9 Lucy arrived to conduct a free-air sniff of the van. Lucy alerted to both the driver and passenger doors.

Deputy Pandolfi found 77 grams of methamphetamine, a scale and a glass pipe inside the vehicle. He also discovered 11 pounds of Saw palmetto berries in two bags, according to the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office.

Rose claimed he harvested the berries in Sarasota but could not provide a permit.

Rose was booked into the DeSoto County Jail on multiple charges, including trafficking in amphetamines or methamphetamines, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while license suspended or revoked with knowledge and harvesting without presenting a permit, according to the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office.