Winter Haven Police Dog Finds 47 Pounds Of Marijuana In Vehicle

WINTER HAVEN, FL — Winter Haven police K-9 Logan found 47 pounds of suspected marijuana in the vehicle of a convicted felon early Sunday morning after the dog's human handler became suspicious when he noticed the driver was not using his headlights.

"The lawful traffic stop ended up being much more than a reminder to turn on headlights," according to the Winter Haven Police Department.

Thirty-seven-year-old Ronal Augustin of the 300 block of Ave L NE, Winter Haven is facing a long list of charges, including armed trafficking in cannabis more than 25 pounds, possession of firearm by convicted felon, possession of ammunition by convicted felon, maintaining vehicle for drug transport, carrying concealed weapon and possession of drug paraphernalia.

K-9 Officer Garcia spotted the vehicle just after midnight on Sunday morning. "As the officer was speaking with Augustin, he smelled what he believed was marijuana and asked Augustin if there was anything illegal in the vehicle," police explained. "Augustin told the officer, 'If you are smelling weed, it's probably coming from my clothes because I smoked some earlier.'"

Police said Augustin produced an expired medical marijuana card. "The officer asked if he could search the vehicle and Augustin consented to a search," police said. "Officer Garcia retrieved his K-9 partner Logan and they began the search. Logan immediately alerted."

Police said they found large suitcases in the vehicle with marijuana packaged in heat sealed plastic bags in the shape of blocks.

"Also found was a loaded handgun on the driver's side floorboard next to the brake pedal," police said. "The handgun was found to be stolen out of Clayton County Georgia."

Augustin was also issued two traffic citations for open container and operating a vehicle without headlights.