Holmes Beach police arrested Bradenton resident Marice McWhite, 22, Feb. 26 on a third-degree felony charge for possession of a controlled substance — unprescribed oxycodone.
McWhite also was arrested on two first-degree misdemeanors for possession of drug paraphernalia and less than 20 grams of marijuana.
Three officers were checking the 52nd Street beach access for people using narcotics or drinking alcohol in public and found a vehicle that smelled of marijuana.
The officers also could see loose pills on the passenger seat through the windows, according to a report.
They went out to the beach to seek the vehicle’s owner and found two people, one of whom was McWhite, who opened the vehicle but refused to answer questions about the pills or comply with directions.
The officers handcuffed both people and searched the vehicle. They found a bottle with 39 hydrocodone pills that neither of the people provided a prescription for, a bag containing 18.1 grams of marijuana, 0.8 grams of loose marijuana and a digital scale.
After the two were detained, McWhite claimed ownership of the drugs and paraphernalia, so the officers released the other person.
An officer transported McWhite to the Manatee County jail, where he was released the same day after posting a $2,500 bond.
If convicted, a third-degree felony is punishable by up to five years in prison or probation and a $5,000 fine.
A first-degree misdemeanor is punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
An arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, March 25, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.