Traffic stop leads to drug arrests on Longboat Key

A traffic stop on the north end of the island Sunday night led to the arrest of three people on drug charges on Longboat Key, the town reported.

In a news release, Longboat Key authorities said an officer on routine overnight patrol pulled over a vehicle on Gulf of Mexico Drive after noticing its brake lights and running lights were not working.

The town reported the officer detected the smell of marijuana when approaching the vehicle. When backup arrived, a vehicle search uncovered:

• Cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamines, and MDMA tablets
• THC vaping devices
• An imitation handgun
• A digital scale and packaging materials
• More than $1,200 in cash
• Multiple cell phones.

Among the charges faced by the trio, which the town did not immediately identify, is possession with intent to distribute.