A Jacksonville couple is accused of bringing a kilogram of cocaine from Central Florida for a planned sale in the city, only to be stopped by narcotics detectives before the deal could happen. Investigators say the cocaine was hidden inside a specially built trap in the couple’s vehicle, and more than $2,300 in cash was recovered.
Harry Cruz-Gonzalez, 38, and Maria Pena-Rosario, 34, were arrested last Thursday at a hotel in Jacksonville’s Southpoint area after a long-term investigation, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. The agency publicized the arrests Friday, saying Cruz-Gonzalez and Pena-Rosario had traveled from Central Florida with the cocaine.
Southpoint hotel stop interrupted alleged cocaine sale
The alleged handoff never got off the ground. Detectives stopped the pair at the hotel and found about a kilogram of cocaine concealed in a trap built into their vehicle, along with cash investigators say was connected to the planned transaction.
Both suspects face felony charges for trafficking in cocaine, according to the sheriff’s office. Cruz-Gonzalez also was arrested on suspicion of resisting without violence and possessing marijuana, while the trafficking allegations against both defendants remain unresolved in court.
Part of a busy summer for Jacksonville narcotics detectives
The arrests came less than two weeks after another JSO drug case in which detectives seized more than 500 grams of narcotics and four firearms from a Sunbeam Road-area home, a bust that began with neighborhood complaints, according to another JSO drug bust. The two cases underscore the department’s focus on larger drug operations as well as street-level complaints.
What the trafficking charges could mean
Florida law classifies trafficking in 400 grams or more but less than 150 kilograms of cocaine as a first-degree felony, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a $250,000 fine, under the state trafficking statute. If the alleged kilogram is confirmed and prosecutors secure convictions, that threshold would apply, though the final outcome would depend on testing, charging decisions and court proceedings.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office asked residents to report suspected neighborhood drug activity by calling 904-630-0500 or emailing [email protected], the office said. Emergencies should be reported by calling 911.
