Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau

Ndue Qosaj (Driver- Arrested)
DOB: 02/05/1995
2776 Jeffrey Drive, Palm Harbor
Vehicle: 2006 Mercedes Benz E350
Charges: One count of Armed Trafficking in Marijuana and one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

What:
A traffic stop for speeding led to the arrest of a man in Clearwater, after Pinellas County Sheriff's Office deputies found 60 pounds of marijuana, a handgun, and cash inside his vehicle.

When:
The incident occurred at about 11:50 a.m. on Tuesday, December 20, 2016.

Where:
The traffic stop occurred near the intersection of US Highway 19 and Countryside Boulevard, in Clearwater.

Why/How:
A traffic stop for speeding led to the arrest of a man in Clearwater, after Pinellas County Sheriff's Office deputies found 60 pounds of marijuana, a handgun, and cash inside his vehicle.

At about 11:50 a.m. on Tuesday, December 20, 2016, a Pinellas deputy conducting speed enforcement observed a 2006 Mercedes Benz E350, traveling at a high rate of speed, southbound on US Highway 19 near the SR 580 overpass in Clearwater. Deputies say that the vehicle was traveling 73 mph in a 55 mph speed zone.

The deputy initiated a traffic stop on the Mercedes Benz near the intersection of US Highway 19 North and Countryside Boulevard, and made contact with the driver, 21-year-old Ndue Qosaj. While speaking with Qosaj, the deputy could detect the odor of marijuana emanating from inside the vehicle.

Deputies conducted a lawful search of Qosaj’s vehicle and found 60 pounds of marijuana, a handgun, and $5,672 dollars in cash inside the vehicle.

Qosaj was arrested and transported to the Pinellas County Jail without incident.

Qosaj was charged with one count of Armed Trafficking in Marijuana and one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

The investigation continues.


Booking photo of Ndue Qosaj.