TAMPA, Fla. — Two individuals were taken into custody on Friday after law enforcement allegedly discovered 78 pounds of cocaine inside their vehicle during a traffic stop along I-4 in Tampa.
According to an arrest report from the Florida Highway Patrol, the vehicle was halted by troopers at approximately 12:30 p.m. on I-4 westbound, east of 50th Street.
Troopers observed that both the driver and the passenger appeared to be excessively anxious. As a result, FHP K-9 Titan was deployed to inspect the exterior of the vehicle and purportedly indicated a positive alert to his handler.
The driver, identified as Anthony Leon Carroll, 49, allegedly produced a bag containing marijuana from his pocket and claimed that it was the reason for the dog’s reaction. Carroll and his passenger, Pablo Villalobos Campos, 61, were apprehended and placed in the rear of a patrol car.
During a search of the vehicle, troopers reportedly discovered two duffel bags containing numerous bricks of cocaine, weighing slightly over 78 pounds. Additionally, an undisclosed sum of money was found.
Both Carroll and Campos were charged with possession of cocaine, possession with intent to sell, trafficking in cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Carroll faced additional charges of cannabis possession, maintaining a structure that promotes drug-related activity, and owning or renting a structure with the purpose of engaging in trafficking, selling, or manufacturing a controlled substance.
In Campos’ arrest report, troopers highlighted that he is not a U.S. citizen and there are concerns that he may attempt to flee if released from custody.
