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Ocala
Friday, March 29, 2024

Deputies find felony amount of marijuana during traffic stop for speeding

A 45-year-old Ocala man was arrested after a felony amount of marijuana was found inside his vehicle during a traffic stop for speeding in Marion County.

On Tuesday, shorly after 8:15 p.m., a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy was patrolling the area of E Highway 329 and NE 10th Court in Citra when a silver Dodge Caliber was observed. The vehicle was traveling westbound on E Highway 329 at a speed of 68 miles per hour in a 45-mph zone, according to the arrest report.

A traffic stop of the vehicle was conducted in front of North Marion High School (151 W Highway 329), and the deputy made contact with the driver and sole occupant, identified as Adon Eduardo Flukers. The deputy noted in the report that the odor of “burnt marijuana” was emitting from the vehicle.

Adon Eduardo Flukers
Adon Eduardo Flukers

Flukers handed the deputy his Florida-issued identification card and confirmed that he does not possess a valid driver’s license. He told the deputy that he is the only person who drives the vehicle, and he stated that he was on his way to pick up his nephew prior to the traffic stop, according to the MCSO report.

When asked about the smell of marijuana, Flukers admitted that he had smoked in the vehicle earlier that day. He advised that he does not possess a medical marijuana card.

Flukers was detained outside of the vehicle, and another deputy arrived at the location of the traffic stop to assist with a vehicle search. The MCSO report stated that a plastic “cotton candy container” was found on the rear passenger floorboard, and it contained a clear Ziploc baggie filled with a green leafy substance. Underneath the baggie, a clear sandwich baggie was spotted, and it also contained a green leafy substance.

The deputy noted in the report that the container was within reach of Flukers, and it was surrounded by packages that had his name on them. The green leafy substance from both baggies field-tested positive for marijuana. The combined weight of the marijuana without the packaging was approximately 23 grams.

After being read his Miranda rights, Flukers stated that he was unaware that the marijuana was in the vehicle. He claimed that he was unable to smell the marijuana because he had smoked Black and Mild cigars inside the vehicle, according to the MCSO report.

A computer search of Flukers revealed that he has prior convictions for driving with a suspended/revoked license in Marion County (2006) and Alabama (2012).

Flukers was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail where he is currently being held on $3,000 bond. He is facing a felony charge for possession of marijuana (over 20 grams) and a misdemeanor charge for driving with a suspended or revoked license (second or subsequent offense).

A court date has been scheduled at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 20, according to jail records.