Man arrested for drug trafficking in Charlotte County

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. A 33-year-old man was arrested Tuesday for the second time in twelve days in connection with drug trafficking, according to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office.

Christopher McMullen was stopped on Sept. 21 in the parking lot of 3280 Tamiami Trail, deputies said.  McMullen was seen moving around the vehicle in an unusual manner as deputies approached the window.

A drug detector canine alerted deputies to the presence of illegal drugs, deputies said. A 4mg hydromorphone pill and small pieces of marijuana were found on the floorboard.

During a search before jail transport, two ziplock bags containing 100 alprazolam, oxymorphone and hydrorphone pills were located in McMullen’s groin area, deputies said. A third bag containing 66 additional hydromorphone pills was located tucked further into McMullen’s rear lower region.

McMullen faced charges of trafficking opium, three counts of possession of a controlled substance, introduction of contraband into a county detention facility, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting an officer without violence, deputies said.

McMullen bonded out of jail on Sept. 22.

At around 9:30 a.m. on Oct.3 deputies attempted to stop McMullen for not wearing a seat belt, but he continued to drive slowly as it appeared his passenger was pushing items into her pants, deputies said.

More illegal drugs and $11,685 were located in McMullen’s car and in his possession, deputies said. McMullen was taken to Charlotte County jail and faces charges of trafficking in a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.