Monroe County K9 busts 3 more for drugs during traffic stop

K9 Coral with drugs seized during March 15 traffic stop. (Monroe County Sheriff's Office)

BIG PINE KEY, Fla. – Just days after helping bust a woman for drug possession in the Florida Keys, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office K9 Coral is at it again.

This time she alerted deputies to drugs inside a Lexus and a BMW that were pulled over Monday afternoon on Big Pine Key.

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Two men and a woman were arrested on multiple drug violations.

The suspects were identified by authorities as Misty Marie Howard, 39, of Big Pine Key, who had a warrant for trafficking in heroin, trafficking in methamphetamines and possession of a controlled substance.

Misty Marie Howard. (Monroe County Sheriff's Office)

Reed Bryan Bell, 55, of Islamorada, was also arrested on a charge of possession of a controlled substance and Markus Dyer, 31, of Big Pine Key, was arrested on charges of trafficking in heroin, trafficking in methamphetamines, possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Markus Dyer. (Monroe County Sheriff's Office)

According to authorities, deputies spotted Howard driving a black BMW south on U.S. 1 around 2:40 p.m. Monday.

Deputies said they knew Howard had warrants out for her arrest for drug trafficking, and as they were pulling her over they realized that her vehicle was being followed by a Lexus.

Both vehicles were pulled over between Mile Markers 32 and 33.

Authorities said Bell was driving the Lexus and Dyer was the passenger.

Reed Bryan Bell. (Monroe County Sheriff's Office)

Dyer is Howard’s boyfriend, according to the sheriff’s office.

Authorities said additional deputies were called to the scene along with K9 Coral, who alerted them to drugs in the Lexus and BMW.

Dyer was found in possession of the following, according to deputies:

• 4.1 ounces of MDMA/Ecstasy

• 6.1 grams of heroin

• 4 grams of crack cocaine

• 18 grams of marijuana

• A digital scale

Deputies said Bell was found to be in possession of three grams of MDMA/ecstasy and a metal pipe.

Authorities said several rolled bills containing a powdery substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamines were found inside of the BMW.

All three were arrested and taken to jail.


About the Author
Amanda Batchelor headshot

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.

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