A Sunday traffic stop on U.S. 1 in the Lower Keys turned into a full-blown narcotics and weapons case when Monroe County deputies pulled over a BMW near Mile Marker 30 and said they found a loaded handgun and a sizable stash of drugs inside.
According to the sheriff's office, the search turned up more than 68 grams of suspected cocaine, over 21 grams of marijuana, seven prescription pills, a THC vape pen and $641 in cash. The two men in the car, identified as 34-year-old driver Alberto Gutierrez and 44-year-old passenger Andre Coker, both from Columbia, South Carolina, were arrested on multiple drug and weapons charges.
What Deputies Say Happened On U.S. 1
In a Facebook post by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, deputies said they initially stopped the BMW for speeding near mile marker 30. They reported seeing a THC pen in plain view and smelling the odor of marijuana, which led to a search of the vehicle.
That search, according to the agency, turned up a loaded .45-caliber Glock handgun along with more than 68 grams of cocaine, more than 21 grams of marijuana, seven prescription pills and $641 in cash.
Deputies said Gutierrez was charged with cocaine trafficking, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Coker was charged with cocaine trafficking, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Trafficking Charge Brings Mandatory Prison Time
Under Florida law, having 28 grams or more of cocaine is treated as trafficking, a first-degree felony with mandatory minimum prison terms tied directly to the amount seized. Per Florida Statute §893.135, as published by the Florida Senate, possession of 28 to 200 grams carries a mandatory minimum sentence of three years in prison and a $50,000 fine.
The more-than-68-gram seizure described by deputies falls within that bracket if prosecutors follow through on the trafficking counts. State law allows for higher mandatory minimums when larger quantities are involved.
Felon With A Gun Allegation Piles On
The sheriff's post also notes that Gutierrez has prior narcotics and weapons offenses, a detail that deputies said factored into the firearms charge in this case. Florida law generally bars convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition and treats violations as serious felonies that can bring substantial prison time.
The website FindLaw carries the text of Florida Statute §790.23, which lays out the state's prohibition and penalties for possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
The sheriff's social media post is the main public account of the stop so far and does not include broader booking or court details. Prosecutors with the State Attorney's Office will review the case next and decide on formal charges and how the case proceeds in court.
