A routine traffic stop in Hernando County led to the felony drug arrests of two individuals last week, according to local authorities. Last Wednesday, deputies pulled over a silver vehicle for making an improper turn on Commercial Way near Applegate Drive. The driver, Daniel Michael Velazquez, and front seat passenger Jahira Rodriguez were both found with illegal substances and taken into custody.
During the stop, officials discovered that Velazquez was driving on a suspended license. Upon a search of his person,, Hernando County Sheriff's deputies found a bag containing approximately 1.1 grams of a white powdery substance. Velazquez stated the substance was fentanyl, which was confirmed through testing. Additionally, Velazquez was arrested for Driving Under the Influence by Florida Highway Patrol, as reported in a press release by the Hernando County Sheriff's Office.
Jahira Rodriguez was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. The deputies identified a crystal-like substance in her wallet that weighed approximately 0.3 grams, and subsequent tests indicated it was indeed methamphetamine. Both Velazquez and Rodriguez had active warrants for their arrest prior to the traffic stop. They were transported to the Hernando County Detention Center, charged with possession of controlled substances among other offenses.
Velazquez has been charged with possession of a controlled substance, driving while license suspended or revoked, and possession of paraphernalia, and is currently being held without bond. Rodriguez faces charges relating to the possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, her total bond set at $5,500. The detailed circumstances of the arrest and charges were outlined in the Hernando County Sheriff's Office statement, which also mentioned the involvement of K-9 Deputy Arnold and K-9 Odin in the narcotic detection during the vehicle search.
