Cape Coral Police Department K9 Venom poses on a sidewalk alongside four clear baggies of methamphetamine seized during a traffic stop on Del Prado Boulevard South. Image is courtesy of the Cape Coral Police Department.
CAPE CORAL, Fla. – A routine traffic stop on Del Prado Boulevard South escalated into a major drug bust early Tuesday morning when a Cape Coral police dog uncovered a backpack stuffed with methamphetamine inside a black Dodge Durango.
Cape Coral Police Investigation
A Cape Coral police officer said they stopped a black Dodge Durango in the 3400 block of Del Prado Boulevard South around 1:39 a.m. Tuesday after spotting several traffic violations. A K9 handler and partner K9 Venom arrived to assist, and the police dog alerted officers to drugs inside the SUV.
What we know:
During a search of the vehicle, officers said they found a backpack containing four clear plastic baggies filled with a crystal substance. Preliminary testing confirmed the substance was methamphetamine, weighing a total of 97.8 grams.
Lee County Drug Arrest
By the numbers:
Investigators identified the driver and sole owner of the vehicle as 29-year-old Tara Michele Flore, born Aug. 28, 1996.
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Police said that statements and evidence connected Flore directly to the contraband discovered inside the backpack.
Officers arrested Flore and took her to the Lee County Jail. She faces a primary charge of trafficking in methamphetamine over 14 grams.
Tara Michele Flore, 29, was booked into the Lee County Jail on a charge of trafficking in methamphetamine over 14 grams. Image is courtesy of the Cape Coral Police Department.
Suspect Court Status
What we don’t know:
Authorities have not yet released whether Flore has retained legal representation or posted bail. Court appearance dates have not been publicly detailed by local officials.
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