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SARASOTA, Fla. – Five individuals are facing serious charges following a Sarasota police operation that targeted three distinct “open-air drug markets” across the city.
The backstory:
According to the Sarasota Police Department, these investigations were initiated after receiving multiple complaints from residents concerning drug-related activity.
36th St.
Officers discovered significant evidence during a search at a residence located in the 1600 block of 36th St. near Booker High School:
- A Glock 23 with an extended magazine and 17 rounds of ammunition
- 22.2 grams of marijuana in a clear container
- 56.6 grams of marijuana in a gray plastic bag
- 35.1 grams of marijuana in a Jeep parked on the property
- 42.1 grams of mushrooms
- Multiple baggies containing 1 gram of marijuana labeled “shock tart”
- A star magazine for a rifle and rifle rounds
- Various pills
- $1,992.00 in cash
Kellen Gowdy has been arrested on drug and weapon-related charges.
Fruitville Rd.
In a separate incident, officers found marijuana, powder cocaine, crack cocaine, glass cooking pots used for making crack cocaine with drug residue, and digital scales during a search at an apartment on the 2900 block of Fruitville Rd.
Dennis Craft is now facing charges for drug trafficking and possession, as per the Sarasota police.
Links Ave.
Additionally, investigators executed a search warrant at a vacant property in the 2500 block of N. Links Ave. They confiscated over 250 grams of spice (synthetic marijuana), a small amount of marijuana, and $330 in cash.
Courtesy: Sarasota Police Dept.
Fredjonte Smalls, Sara Van Aelst, and Lucas Blue are also facing drug-related charges. Lucas Blue has additional charges for providing law enforcement with a false name and resisting arrest, alongside an outstanding warrant for battery on a law enforcement officer from Manatee County.
What’s next:
The Sarasota Police Department confirmed that the investigations are ongoing.
The Source: This story was prepared using information from the Sarasota Police Department.
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Key Information
- Location: Sarasota, Florida
- Charges: Five individuals facing serious drug-related charges
- Search Areas: 1600 block of 36th St., 2900 block of Fruitville Rd., 2500 block of N. Links Ave.
- Items Seized: Firearms, various drugs, cash
- Investigations: Ongoing by Sarasota Police Department
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Article original publish date: 2025-05-08 07:00:00
Article source: www.fox13news.com
Read the full story at the original source: www.fox13news.com
