Florida traffic stop uncovers poached lobsters, drugs, and cash

Police in Florida arrested two men this week after discovering large amounts of cash, marijuana, and illegally harvested lobsters in their vehicle.

Miami residents Lazaro Rolando Martinez and Edward Franklin Mora, both 27, were jailed Sunday night after a Florida Keys traffic stop led to the unusual discovery.

According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Martinez was charged with driving an unregistered vehicle, possession of Alprazolam without a prescription, possession of 38.5 grams of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia and THC oil.

Martinez also was cited for possession of 23 undersized lobsters and 31 lobsters over the daily bag limit. A total of 37 lobsters were discovered in buckets in the back of the truck.

Mora was charged for possession of 114.8 grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and THC oil.

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The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office described the bust in a news release:

“The case began at approximately 11:30 p.m. when Deputy Jorge Moreno stopped a northbound black Ford F-150 pickup truck on U.S. 1 at Mile Marker 86 after 911 Communications Specialists informed him the truck came back as not being registered and the tag that was attached as not being assigned to the truck. The truck was emitting a strong odor of marijuana.

“The driver, Martinez, handed another Deputy a mason jar of marijuana as well as THC oil vape pen. The front passenger, Mora, also produced a mason jar with marijuana. A search ensued and $3,590 in cash was found in Martinez’s possession. Additional marijuana and baggies were found inside the truck which Martinez and Mora each claimed ownership.”

Only six of the 37 lobsters were still alive. All 37 were “returned to the water.”