Sarasota businessman arrested on numerous drug charges

SARASOTA -- A Sarasota businessman faces numerous drug-related charges, after police raided his business and home and found large amounts of cocaine and marijuana, according to the Sarasota Police Department.

Officers Friday raided MB Customs Auto Shop, 1940 11th St., after an investigation revealed that owner Melquisdec Betancourt Jr. was selling drugs from the business, according to a news release.

At the business, officers found and seized 22.7 grams of powder cocaine; 12.9 grams of rock cocaine; 292.9 grams of marijuana, 1.8 grams of ecstasy; $745 in cash; and two vehicles, a Cadillac and a Mercedes Benz.

At Betancourt's home in the 1200 block of 32nd Street, officers found 556.7 grams of powder cocaine; 94.3 grams of rock cocaine; a gun; $25,000 in cash and a 2004 Infinity QX56, police said.

Betancourt, 31, was arrested on charges of trafficking more than 400 grams of cocaine; possession of marijuana with intent to sell/deliver; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell/deliver; and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The investigation is continuing, police said.

This story was originally published April 11, 2016 at 11:31 AM with the headline "Sarasota businessman arrested on numerous drug charges ."