GULF COUNTY TRAFFIC STOP RESULTS IN DRUG ARREST

Gulf County Sheriff Mike Harrison announces the arrest of Brandon J. Rouse (27) and Lester  Hand (73) of Wewahitchka. Both were arrested today after a traffic stop resulted in multiple drug charges.

While on patrol in the area of County Road 22A in Wewahitchka, Sgt. J. Williams observed a vehicle exceeding the posted speed limit. Sgt. Williams initiated a traffic stop and contacted Rouse and Hand. While speaking with both subjects, Sgt. Williams smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle yielded a black bag that contained several items used to ingest illegal narcotics, which Hand stated was his. Rouse was found in physical possession of methamphetamine packaged for distribution, crack cocaine, Alprazolam, and $1,270.

Rouse was charged with Possession of Crack Cocaine, Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of Less Than Twenty Grams of Marijuana. Hand was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The monies were seized and will be sought in forfeiture proceedings. Rouse has a history of drug offenses and his most recent release from the Florida Department of Corrections was in July of 2015.

Rouse was out on bond from a recent arrest on January 27, 2016, for Possession of Crack Cocaine, Fleeing and Eluding Law Enforcement and Resisting Arrest without Violence. Rouse and Hand were transported to the Gulf County Detention Facility and are scheduled for first appearance tomorrow.

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