Sarasota Police arrest suspect, seize more than 600g of cocaine

Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC

 

SPD

 

Sarasota Police Department SWAT and Strategic Intelligence Unit (SIU) detectives executed a search warrant Friday morning, Dec. 12, 2025, at 2491 8th St. As a result of the search warrant, detectives arrested Demond L. Smith, 33, of Sarasota.

During the search, SIU detectives discovered approximately $2,800 in cash, 204 grams of marijuana, 666.8 grams of cocaine in both rock and powder form.

The following items were located inside the home:

  • Two Florida drivers’ licenses in Smith’s name
  • Court documents with Smith’s name and photos
  • Several bags of cocaine
  • A backpack containing two large bags of marijuana
  • A digital scale

The following cooking items, which tested positive for cocaine, were also located:

    • Two forks
    • A white plastic cup
    • A glass measuring cup

Smith, an eight-time convicted felon, was the only person at the apartment when detectives arrived. He was arrested and is facing three felony charges and one misdemeanor charge:

  • Trafficking in cocaine over 400 grams (felony)
  • Possession of marijuana with intent to sell/deliver (felony)
  • Manufacturing cocaine (felony)
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor)

At the time of his arrest, Smith was on active felony probation for retail theft of more than $750. As of Dec. 17, Smith was still in the Sarasota County Jail on a $121,000 bond.

This investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to call the Sarasota Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 941-263-6070.