Repeat felon faces charges in Sarasota drug bust

The Sarasota Police Department recently arrested a Sarasota man in a drug investigation. 

Strategic Intelligence Unit detectives and the SPD SWAT unit executed a search warrant Friday, Dec. 12, at 2491 Eighth St., resulting in the arrest of 33-year-old Demond L. Smith.

Inside the home, detectives discovered approximately $2,800 in cash, 204 grams of marijuana and 666.8 grams of cocaine in both rock and powder form. In addition, they found two Florida driver’s licenses in Smith’s name, several bags of cocaine, a small pink backpack containing two large bags of marijuana and a digital scale.

Smith, who has eight felony convictions, was alone in the residence when detectives arrived. He is facing three felony charges and one misdemeanor charge including:

• Trafficking in cocaine over 400 grams (felony).
• Possession of marijuana with intent to sell/deliver (felony).
• Manufacturing cocaine (felony).
• Possession of drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor).

At the time of his arrest, Smith was on active felony probation for retail theft of more than $750. As of Dec. 17, Smith remained in Sarasota County Jail on a $121,000 bond.

Anyone with any information related to the case is asked to call the Sarasota Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 941-263-6070.