A routine early morning traffic stop turned into a drug arrest for a Tavares man after Leesburg police discovered marijuana and THC products in his vehicle.
At around 3:30 a.m. on Monday, 23-year-old Anthony Justin Papke was clocked driving 67 mph in a 45-mph zone on U.S. Highway 441, according to an arrest report from the Leesburg Police Department. He was driving a red four-door Ford Taurus and was pulled over near the Speedway gas station at 9532 U.S. Hwy. 441.
During the stop, the responding officer noticed a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. When asked, Papke admitted to recently smoking marijuana. However, he did not possess a medical marijuana card, which is required in Florida for legal cannabis use.
As the officer continued the stop, he spotted a plastic shopping bag in the passenger seat. Papke voluntarily handed the bag over, which was found to contain a zip-top bag and two smaller baggies with knotted tops. He also produced a fourth baggie that was partially empty. Papke told the officer that he had received the marijuana from a Colorado-based dealer named Josh, who allegedly shipped the product in an air-sealed package.
The total weight of the marijuana was measured at 96.48 grams—well above Florida’s legal limit for personal possession, which is set at 20 grams for non-medical use. In addition to the marijuana, officers found more drug-related items inside the vehicle. A grinder, rolling papers, and additional marijuana were located in the car’s center console. Police also discovered a THC vape pen containing liquid THC, another substance that is regulated under Florida drug laws.
He faces multiple charges, including felony possession of marijuana over 20 grams, possession of THC oil, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was later released after posting a $6,000 bond.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces when cannabis products are obtained across state lines and used without legal authorization in Florida. Although marijuana is legal for recreational use in some states like Colorado, Florida still maintains stricter regulations, especially regarding transportation and possession without a medical card.
As cannabis laws continue to vary widely from state to state, individuals traveling with or using cannabis products should remain informed about local laws to avoid serious legal consequences.
