193 Grams Of Cocaine Seized In Sarasota Bust

SARASOTA, FL — A lengthy investigation into alleged illegal activity at a Sarasota home ended with two arrests and the seizure of more than 193 grams of cocaine Tuesday night.

According to Sarasota Police, the agency received “multiple anonymous Crime Stoppers tips” about possible illegal activities happening at a home in the 2900 block of Palmadelia Avenue back in February. Those tips kicked off an undercover operation that included officers purchasing narcotics at the home, an email from the police department said.

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The investigation culminated around 7:35 p.m. Aug. 22 when Sarasota Police officers and SWAT team members served a search warrant at the property.

Lee Claridy, 49, and Tyrone Davis, 48, who both live at the address, were charged with multiple felonies. Police say they recovered 193.9 grams of cocaine, 31.9 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, $512 and baggies during their search.

Claridy, police say, has 26 past felony arrests and nine felony convictions. Previous charges include cocaine possession, aggravated assault on a police officer with a deadly weapon, and armed robbery with a firearm.

Claridy was charged with trafficking in cocaine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and obstruction on Tuesday.

Davis has 28 felony arrests in his past and 21 felony convictions, police say. Prior arrests include sale of cocaine and fleeing to elude. He was charged with possession of cocaine on Tuesday.

Both Claridy and Davis were booked into the Sarasota County Jail following their Tuesday arrests.

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Photos courtesy of the Sarasota Police Department