Sheriff Reports: 299 Grams of Cocaine Captured During Undercover Drug Bust in Sarasota and Bradenton

Key Information:

• Location: Sarasota-Bradenton, FL
• Arrested Individual: Andres R. Gonzalez, 44
• Charges: Trafficking cocaine on outstanding warrant
• Amount Seized: Nearly 300 grams of cocaine (299.5 grams)
• Operation Collaboration: Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office & Manatee County Sheriff’s Office with the Drug Enforcement Agency
• Action Taken: Undercover purchase and simultaneous search warrants served

In Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida, a significant drug trafficking case unfolded, culminating in the arrest of a suspect and the seizure of approximately 300 grams of cocaine. This operation was the result of a coordinated effort between the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO).

Andres R. Gonzalez, aged 44, was apprehended on a charge of trafficking cocaine following an outstanding warrant, as reported by the SCSO in a news release. The operation began when Sarasota County deputies conducted an undercover purchase from Gonzalez, which led to the establishment of probable cause necessary for search warrants.

This allowed law enforcement to search residences located on 60th Drive East in Bradenton and Lake Ridge Drive in Sarasota. Upon executing the search at the Bradenton location, Gonzalez was present and subsequently taken into custody by the assisting teams from MCSO and the Drug Enforcement Agency.

Simultaneously, the SCSO’s SWAT team, in cooperation with the Sarasota Police Department, executed a search warrant at the Sarasota residence. During this operation, detectives discovered an impressive total of 299.5 grams of cocaine.