Two teenagers charged in large THC cartridge case

A traffic stop on U.S. 1 at Mile Marker 82.5 in Islamorada Monday night resulted in the seizure of nearly $10,000 in cash and 54 vape/THC oil cartridges which field-tested positive for marijuana.

Luis Octavio Alvarez, 18, of Hollywood, Florida, was charged with 39 counts of possession of marijuana with intent to sell, 44 counts of possession of marijuana over 20 grams, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was also issued a traffic citation for passing in a no-passing zone.

A 17-year-old girl in the vehicle was charged with 15 counts of possession of marijuana over 20 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sgt. Mark Coleman was on patrol just north of Mile Marker 82 when he saw a Honda Civic driving north in the center turn lane, passing a truck. Deputy Nestor Argote was already pursuing the Civic and both conducted the traffic stop. There were six occupants in the car. All were teenagers. Alvarez was the driver. The odor of marijuana was present in the car. Deputies Ana Coello and Eric Viergutz arrived on scene to assist.

The 17-year-old girl who was charged claimed ownership of a backpack that was in the car. Inside the backpack, deputies found 15 THC cartridges and a vaporizer pen.

Elsewhere in the car the following was found in which Alvarez claimed ownership:

  • 39 THC cartridges
  • 22.3 grams of leaf marijuana
  • $9,437 in cash
  • One pipe
  • Four vapor pen batteries
  • a scale

Alvarez was taken to jail. That girl’s parents were notified as well as the Department of Juvenile Justice.

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]