Jacksonville Man Arrested After Drug and Gun Bust Following Burglary Call
JACKSONVILLE — A routine security sweep for a possible burglary in East Arlington turned into a major drug and weapons investigation, leading to the arrest of a local man on multiple charges, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO).
On December 30, officers responded to a call about a suspected burglary at a home on Staffordshire Drive. The renter of the property was not at home at the time, but his brother contacted authorities to report that no one should be inside the house.
Upon arriving, officers noticed a broken window at the rear of the home and were allowed by the renter to conduct a security sweep. The renter gave verbal consent and provided the security code for the front door.
“The decision to call law enforcement despite knowing what was inside the house is unusual, especially considering what the officers found,” said News4JAX Crime and Safety Analyst Tom Hackney.
As officers entered the house, they immediately discovered a large bag of marijuana on the stove, with more marijuana in plain sight in an upstairs bedroom. The presence of marijuana prompted further investigation, and with the help of JSO’s Narcotics and Vice Section, a search warrant was obtained.
The search uncovered a large stash of firearms and drugs hidden throughout the property. Among the items found were:
- Seven firearms, including a Mini Draco 7.62, Kriss Vector CRB 10mm, AR pistol (without a serial number), FN pistol 10mm, Sig Sauer P320, Glock 19, and 15 additional magazines with ammo.
- 167 pounds of marijuana.
- 37.3 pounds of marijuana edibles.
- 102.4 grams of marijuana oil.
- $7,660 in cash.
- A Rolex watch and $10,000 in jewelry, which investigators believe were linked to drug sales.
Notably, one of the firearms found had been altered to remove its serial number, a discovery that Hackney called particularly significant. “It’s going to draw attention from law enforcement, including federal authorities, to determine the history of that weapon and its origin.”
The renter now faces multiple charges related to drug trafficking, possession of drug paraphernalia, and maintaining a drug house. Additionally, he has been charged with possessing marijuana with intent to sell.
JSO also noted that the man had been arrested earlier in the year on similar charges involving guns and drugs. “It appears he didn’t learn his lesson,” JSO remarked on social media.
The suspect was released on a $92,000 bond on New Year’s Day, with his next court appearance scheduled for January 22.
