A 58-year-old man has been arrested after Sarasota police seized more than 100 grams of cocaine during a search of a home prompted by an anonymous tip.
Lashay A. Smith was detained on 2 September when detectives executed a search warrant at a property in the 3100 block of Old Bradenton Road, police said.
Officers reported finding 45.5 grams of crack cocaine and 56.1 grams of powder cocaine inside the home, along with materials they said were associated with preparing and selling drugs.
Police also found 10 morphine sulphate pills, 18 buprenorphine-naloxone tablets, $793 in cash, clear sandwich bags, scales bearing cocaine residue and razors with cocaine residue, according to the Sarasota Police Department.
Sarasota cocaine seizure follows anonymous tip
Smith faces charges including trafficking in cocaine, possession of controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia and maintaining a dwelling for the use of controlled substances.
Police said Smith has 14 previous felony convictions, including offences involving burglary, drug possession and drug sales. He has also been classified as a habitual traffic offender in Florida.
Smith was taken to Sarasota County Jail before being released on a $26,000 bond. The allegations have not been tested in court.
Sarasota Police public information officer Genevieve Judge said the case showed how information from residents could help investigators uncover suspected criminal activity.
She urged people who notice possible wrongdoing to report it, saying an apparently minor tip could lead to a significant arrest and prevent drugs from reaching the streets.
