Man Arrested in Undercover Drug Trafficking Investigation in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

A joint undercover drug trafficking investigation led by Sarasota and Manatee County law enforcement agencies resulted in the arrest of a 45-year-old man on September 11.

Detectives with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigation Section conducted an undercover operation and purchased a trafficking amount of cocaine from Andres R. Gonzalez. Following the controlled purchase, deputies obtained search warrants for residences on 60th Drive East in Bradenton and Lake Ridge Drive in Sarasota.

During the search at the Sarasota home, detectives reported seizing 299.5 grams of cocaine. Gonzalez was found at the Bradenton residence and taken into custody. He was charged with trafficking in cocaine and transported to the Manatee County jail.

Authorities said the investigation remains active as detectives continue their work.