Multiple drug arrests through Keys

Local law enforcement has been extremely busy during the first few weeks of July with a variety of drug and drug-related arrests throughout the Florida Keys.

On Thursday, July 11, the Key West Police Department Special Investigations Unit arrested David Maranon Rodriguez, 35, on charges of trafficking in crystal methamphetamine, according to a news release from police spokeswoman Alyson Crean.

Detectives initiated a narcotics investigation into Rodriguez after learning he was bringing methamphetamine from the mainland into Key West by bus with the intent of selling it, Crean said. On two previous occasions, Rodgriguez sold methamphetamine to undercover operatives.

Detectives intercepted Rodriguez on Simonton Street and took him into custody, where he was found to be in possession of 3.03 ounces of methamphetamine.

Rodriguez was charged with the sale of methamphetamine, trafficking in methamphetamine and unlawful use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony, Crean said.

All narcotics were seized along with suspected proceeds from illegal narcotics sales.

A day earlier, the Special Investigations Unit, along with the Special Response Team, executed a search warrant at 301 White St. apartments, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations officers.

The search warrant was obtained after an investigation involving illegal narcotics sales from the apartment, Crean said.

Detectives and special agents searched the residence and recovered amphetamine, fentanyl, narcotics packaging equipment and U.S. currency consistent with narcotics sales.

Elizabeth Monet Rahming, 32, was charged with possession of amphetamine with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of public housing, possession of fentanyl with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of public housing, possession of drug paraphernalia and child endangerment, while Xavier Terrell Blackman, 38, was charged with possession of amphetamine with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of public housing and possession of fentanyl with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of public housing, Crean said.

The narcotics were seized as well as over $1,200 in suspected proceeds from narcotics sales.

In both cases, investigations are ongoing and additional charges are expected, Crean said.

On Tuesday, July 9, a wanted Key West man was observed in a vehicle by members of the Special Investigations Unit.

Detectives performed a traffic stop and took Howard Paul Schneider IV, 36, who had an outstanding warrant for narcotics, into custody, Crean said.

Before Schneider was transported to jail, he was found to be in possession of more than 13 grams of amphetamines, which resulted in an additional charge, Crean said.

A 34-year-old Marathon man was arrested Tuesday, July 2, after being found in possession of .2 grams of cocaine and .9 grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia (a pipe), and another person’s credit card, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were called to the 5500 block of the Overseas Highway around 4:30 a.m. after a construction worker found an uninvited man and woman inside a business property.

The man, identified as Terrance Joseph McCray, was found to be in possession of the drugs and the credit card. He was taken to jail, Sheriff’s Office spokesman Adam Linhardt said in a news release. The woman was not arrested.