FREEPORT, Fla. — Two people are facing drug charges after a traffic stop in Freeport reportedly led to the discovery of methamphetamine and fentanyl, said the Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO).
According to the WCSO, a deputy stopped a vehicle at State Highway 20 and Jefferson Street on the night of July 28. The WCSO reportedly knew the registered owner of the car to drive with a suspended license.
The driver, Ramona May Hicks, 49, of Freeport, and the passenger, Johnny Ray Smith, 29, of Santa Rosa Beach, were detained during the stop. While being removed from the vehicle, Mr Smith was reportedly seen trying to hide something by rolling his wrist into the sleeve of his shirt.
Deputies said they recovered a clear bag containing a crystal-like substance that tested positive for methamphetamine.
During a search of the vehicle, deputies said they found several needles and a brown glass vial in the center console under the radio. The vial reportedly contained a dark brown substance that tested positive for fentanyl.
While still at the scene, deputies asked Ms Hicks multiple times whether she had any contraband in her possession that would be brought into the jail, and she reportedly denied having any.
At the Walton County Jail, staff required Hicks to remove a hygiene product. According to the sheriff’s office, she attempted to flush the toilet but was stopped. A yellow plastic bag was reportedly recovered from the toilet bowl containing a crystal-like substance that tested positive for methamphetamine, weighing 5.7 grams.
Both Ms Hicks and Mr Smith were charged with possession of fentanyl.
Smith was additionally charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia after claiming ownership of the syringes found in the vehicle.
Hicks was additionally charged with driving with a suspended license, possession of methamphetamine, introducing contraband into a county facility, and tampering with evidence.