POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A Wauchula man is facing a litany of felony charges after a traffic stop on Saturday night, June 7th, revealed he was trafficking substantial quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl.
At approximately 11:48 p.m., a Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputy initiated a traffic stop on a red 2014 Nissan Altima on US 17 at Sand Mountain Road. The deputy had observed the vehicle failing to maintain its lane.
According to deputies, the driver, identified as 43-year-old Justin Eugene Spiker of Wauchula, exhibited clear signs of impairment. According to the arrest report, Spiker’s speech was slurred, his eyes were watery, and he was unsteady on his feet.
READ: 5 Illegal Immigrants Among 61 DUI Arrests Made By Polk County Deputies In May
During the stop, a deputy spotted a clear baggie containing a crystal substance, later identified as methamphetamine, in plain view on the vehicle’s center console. The situation escalated when Spiker allegedly attempted to conceal another baggie of methamphetamine by throwing it underneath the patrol car.
A subsequent search of Spiker’s person uncovered an additional three baggies of narcotics. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office noted that the baggies were “tucked away in a special warm place.” Two of these bags contained more methamphetamine, while the third held fentanyl.
READ :Winter Haven Woman Arrested On Felony Warrant In Wahneta
In total, authorities seized 62.56 grams of methamphetamine and 1.5 grams of fentanyl. A separate baggie containing numerous smaller, empty baggies was also found, suggesting intent to distribute.
Spiker was arrested and transported to the Polk County Jail. He refused to participate in Field Sobriety Tests and also declined to provide a breath sample at the detention facility.
Justin Eugene Spiker has been charged with Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and/or Alcohol, Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Sell, Possession of Fentanyl, Tampering with Evidence, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Keeping a Vehicle for Drug Sales.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
