The scent of marijuana allegedly wafted from a vehicle when police arrived at Coquina Beach in response to a report of drug activity.
Bradenton Beach Police Officer Josh Betts reported a man standing beside his car, talking to a woman in a nearby van at about 3 p.m. in the public beach parking lot at 2650 Gulf Drive S.
Robert F. Jones, 44, of Bradenton, was arrested June 19 after police saw an open purse with a bag of green leafy substance inside Jones’ vehicle. Betts searched Jones and found a marijuana cigarette and a large amount of cash.
The officer also searched Jones’ vehicle and, in addition to finding 62.5 grams of marijuana in the bag, which field-tested positive for the drug, police found what they believed to be marijuana lollipops, as well as non-prescription pills, including 80 Xanex, oxycodone and suboxone.
Jones allegedly told police the drugs were for his personal use, except those in prescription bottles labeled with his girlfriend’s name.
Police found 103 $1 bills banded by a hair tie, as well as $1,711 in bundled bills — $50s, $20s and $100s, according to the BBPD report.
Police interviewed the woman after she consented to a search that led to no contraband.
The BBPD sent the lollipops to a crime lab and a request to the state attorney to charge Jones if the lab results indicate illegal drug content.
Jones was transported and booked at the Manatee County jail. His bond was set at $13,500.
Jones posted bond and was released.
His arraignment will be at 9 a.m. Friday, July 22, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.