Sarasota, Florida – Sarasota Police Department officers seized a large quantity of illegal drugs, including nearly 667 grams of cocaine, and arrested a local man during the execution of a search warrant tied to an ongoing drug trafficking investigation, authorities confirmed Wednesday.
The arrest follows weeks of investigative work by detectives and resulted in multiple felony charges against a Sarasota resident with a prior criminal history.
Search Warrant Leads to Major Drug Seizure
According to a Sarasota Police Department press release, officers executed a search warrant at a Sarasota apartment connected to suspected drug activity. During the search, detectives recovered a significant amount of narcotics and cash believed to be linked to drug distribution.
Police reported discovering 666.8 grams of cocaine, found in both rock and powder form, along with 204 grams of marijuana. Investigators also seized approximately $2,800 in cash, which authorities believe was proceeds from drug sales.
In addition to the drugs and money, officers located drug paraphernalia, including a digital scale, commonly used in weighing and packaging controlled substances for distribution.
Suspect Arrested Outside Apartment
The suspect, identified as Demond L. Smith, 33, of Sarasota, was taken into custody on Friday as he exited his apartment near Lime Avenue and 8th Street, police said. Officers arrested Smith without incident before executing the search warrant inside the residence.
During the arrest and subsequent search, detectives also found two Florida driver’s licenses issued in Smith’s name, which investigators noted as part of the evidence collected during the case.
Charges Filed Against Sarasota Man
Following the arrest, Smith was charged with multiple serious drug-related offenses, including:
- Manufacturing cocaine
- Cocaine trafficking
- Possession of marijuana with intent to sell
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Authorities said the amount of cocaine seized far exceeded personal-use quantities, leading to the trafficking charge under Florida law, which carries severe penalties upon conviction.
Prior Criminal History Noted by Authorities
Court records show that Smith has a prior criminal record. In 2020, he was found guilty of possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana. More recently, he was arrested for retail theft in February of this year.
Records also indicate Smith has accumulated multiple traffic violations over time. Law enforcement officials say his prior convictions were considered during the investigation but emphasized that the current charges stem from new evidence gathered during the search warrant operation.
Bond Set at Over $120,000
Police confirmed that as of December 17, Smith remained in the Sarasota County Jail. His bond was set at $121,000, reflecting the seriousness of the charges and the quantity of drugs involved.
“As of Dec. 17, Smith was still in the Sarasota County Jail on a $121,000 bond,” the department stated, adding that the case remains under active investigation.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
Sarasota Police noted that the investigation is ongoing, suggesting that additional arrests or charges could follow as detectives continue analyzing evidence and tracking potential connections to broader drug distribution networks in the area.
Authorities emphasized that removing large quantities of cocaine and marijuana from the community helps reduce drug-related crime, violence, and health risks. Cocaine trafficking, in particular, is often linked to organized criminal activity and poses significant dangers to public safety.
Police encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity in their neighborhoods, stressing that community tips play a vital role in identifying and disrupting illegal drug operations.
Law Enforcement Commitment to Drug Enforcement
The Sarasota Police Department reaffirmed its commitment to targeting high-level drug distribution and holding offenders accountable under state law. Officials stated that coordinated enforcement efforts aim to prevent illegal drugs from reaching local streets and harming residents.
Anyone with information related to drug activity in Sarasota is urged to contact local law enforcement or submit tips anonymously through appropriate channels.
Share your experiences or thoughts on how drug enforcement impacts your community in the comments below.
