MONROE COUNTY, Fla. – A traffic stop for speeding on a Florida highway ended with the arrest of two South Carolina men early Sunday morning. At approximately 3:30 a.m. on March 8, 2026, deputies stopped a BMW sedan traveling along U.S. 1 near Mile Marker 30.
The driver, 34-year-old Alberto Gutierrez of Columbia, South Carolina, was pulled over after being clocked above the speed limit. Upon approaching the vehicle, officers observed a THC pen in plain view and reported the smell of marijuana coming from the car.
During a search of the vehicle, authorities discovered a loaded .45-caliber Glock, over 68 grams of cocaine, more than 21 grams of marijuana, seven prescription pills, and $641 in cash.
Gutierrez was charged with cocaine trafficking, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Because he has a criminal history involving narcotics and weapons offenses, he also faces charges for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
The passenger, 44-year-old Andre Coker, also of Columbia, South Carolina, was arrested and faces charges of cocaine trafficking, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Both men were taken into custody following the roadside search.
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