Holmes Beach police arrested Bradenton resident Seth Johnson, 18, Nov. 26 on a third-degree felony for possession of narcotics.
An officer saw a motorist drive through a flashing red light and conducted a traffic stop in the 600 block of Manatee Avenue, when the officer reported smelling marijuana coming from the vehicle.
The driver admitted to possessing a bag of marijuana, which officers confiscated. The police issued the driver citations for possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana and paraphernalia and a traffic violation.
A passenger gave the officers a bag containing MDMA — otherwise known as “molly” — from his pocket, according to the HBPD report. The substance tested positive for bath salts, a synthetic substance similar to amphetamines.
The officers arrested Johnson and transported him to the Manatee County jail, where he was released the same day after posting $1,500 bond. The felony charge carries a $500 fine, up to five years in prison and five years of probation.
An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 17, at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton.
— Ryan Paice