Traffic stop ended in 58 gram meth bust and the arrest of a 33-year-old Dunnellon man, Citrus County deputies say.
Karl Bower, of 5597 W. Tirana Lane in Dunnellon, is now charged with trafficking in meth and possession of cannabis.
A patrol deputy says he watched a driver speeding in the southbound lanes of North Lecanto Highway Sunday afternoon.
Deputies say the female driver pulled over. Bower was a passenger in the car.
During a traffic stop, deputies say when they asked Bower if there was anything illegal in the car, Bower removed his hat from his head and pulled a joint out.
Bower was told to step out of the car, deputies say.
An arrest affidavit shows the joint tested positive for marijuana.
Bower was placed under arrest. During a search of his body, deputies say they they felt a bulge in the front center pocket of Bower's overalls.
Deputies removed a clear, plastic baggie containing a crystal-like substance which tested positive for meth, an arrest affidavit states.
Deputies say when they searched the vehicle they found another bag filled with meth.
The meth was tested and deputies say it came back weighing 58 grams.
The driver said she had no knowledge of the drugs and was not charged.
Bower is being held on $51,000 bond.
