Two South Carolina men were arrested early Sunday in the Florida Keys after a traffic stop led deputies to discover drugs, a firearm, and cash inside their vehicle, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said Andre Coker, 44, and Alberto Gutierrez, 34, both from Columbia, South Carolina, were taken into custody following the incident.
The arrest occurred around 3:30 a.m. when deputies stopped a BMW sedan for speeding along U.S. 1, also known as Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway, in the Florida Keys. Gutierrez was driving the vehicle, while Coker was riding as a passenger.
During the stop, a deputy reported smelling marijuana coming from the car and observed a THC vape pen in plain view, prompting a search of the vehicle.
According to the sheriff’s office, the search uncovered a loaded .45-caliber Glock handgun, more than 68 grams of cocaine, over 21 grams of marijuana, and seven prescription pills. Deputies also recovered $641 in cash.
Both men were charged with cocaine trafficking, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Gutierrez faces additional charges, including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, authorities said.
Officials noted that this is not the first time Gutierrez has faced drug or weapons-related charges. While it was unclear whether he had previous charges in Florida, court records from Richland County, South Carolina, show he was convicted on drug charges in 2015 and lottery-related fraud charges in 2017 involving conspiracy and intent to defraud.
Court records also indicate Gutierrez currently has a pending fugitive from justice charge in Richland County.
Both men remain in custody as the case moves forward.
