Gulf County traffic stop leads to drug and weapon charges

Gulf County Sheriff Mike Harrison announces the arrest of Elias G. Barela (19), of Panama City. On Sunday, February 23, 2014, at 3:08am Sgt. Jerome Williams stopped a vehicle on US Highway 98 and Industrial Road in Port St. Joe for a traffic violation. 
When contact was made with the occupants Sgt. Williams noticed a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.
A search of the vehicle was conducted and seven small bags of marijuana packaged for sale were discovered. Also in the vehicle were drug paraphernalia and a hand gun with an altered serial number. After interviewing the occupants of the vehicle it was determined the items belonged to Barela. 

Barela was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Concealed Weapon, and Possession of a Firearm with an Altered Serial Number. He was transported and booked into the Gulf County Detention Facility. Barela was first appeared and released on a $12,000 bond.

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