Holmes Beach police arrested Bradenton resident Nicholas Smith, 38, March 16 on a third-degree felony for alleged cocaine possession, a first-degree misdemeanor for possession of drug equipment and a second-degree misdemeanor for attaching an unassigned license plate to his vehicle.
An HBPD officer observed a traffic violation in the 700 block of Manatee Avenue, ran the vehicle’s plate and found it was unassigned, prompting a traffic stop.
Smith told the officer he received the tag from a friend due to title issues.
During a search, police found two plastic bags containing a white substance that field-tested positive for cocaine and also an unprescribed generic Adderall pill.
Smith claimed the pill belonged to a friend.
Smith was transported to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton for medical clearance before being taken to Manatee County jail, where he remained under a $3,150 bond as of March 18.
His arraignment is scheduled for May 1 at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton.