FLORIDA — A DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office drug investigation led to the seizure of nearly 25 pounds of methamphetamine and several pounds of cocaine, according to authorities.
Officials said the sheriff’s office Narcotics Unit obtained arrest warrants May 13 for 54-year-old Imamu Gilchrist of Arcadia on allegations involving narcotics sales in DeSoto County.
Detectives later located Gilchrist at the Economy Inn in Arcadia standing next to his truck and took him into custody. Authorities said detectives smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle and requested a K-9 unit to investigate further.
According to the sheriff’s office, the K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics, leading detectives to conduct a search of the vehicle.
During the search, investigators said they found multiple containers of methamphetamine and cocaine, marijuana, crack cocaine, bundles of cash, empty baggies commonly used in narcotics distribution and a lunchbox containing more than $40,000.
Authorities said detectives also discovered a kilogram-sized “brick” of cocaine and multiple individually packaged bags of narcotics.
In total, deputies seized about $41,000 in cash, 24.619 pounds of methamphetamine, 3.5 pounds of cocaine and a half-pound of crack cocaine.
Officials estimated the street value of the drugs at approximately $148,000.
“This significant dangerous drug seizure highlights the relentless work of our Narcotics Detectives and the Sheriff’s Office commitment to keeping dangerous unlawful narcotics off the streets of DeSoto County,” Sheriff James Potter said in a statement.
Gilchrist was booked into the DeSoto County Jail.
