Two teens arrested in Coral Springs after searching online for drugs late at night
Coral Springs, Florida – What started as a late-night search for psilocybin mushrooms on a local website quickly ended in arrests for two 18-year-olds after Coral Springs police intercepted their vehicle during a routine traffic stop. The unusual chain of events unfolded on the night of August 3, highlighting how quickly curiosity and online convenience can lead to serious legal trouble.
According to an arrest report, the incident began when front-seat passenger Antonio Whitford, of Pompano Beach, told the driver, Julian Serna, of Coconut Creek, that he wanted to “trip” while out with friends. Serna responded by using a website known for listing local cannabis and psilocybin mushroom dealers to find a nearby seller. After pooling money with friends, Serna drove to meet the dealer, completing the purchase through a CashApp transaction during a hand-to-hand exchange at the passenger-side window. Whitford then took possession of the mushrooms, which weighed 7.78 grams, and placed them under his seat.
Minutes later, Coral Springs police spotted Serna driving a silver Honda Civic eastbound on West Sample Road. Officers noted that he was using his phone while driving and failing to stay within a single lane, prompting them to initiate a traffic stop in the 7200 block of Sample. Once stopped, officers reported smelling marijuana coming from the vehicle and observing a glass bong in the center console.
A search of the car revealed a bag of psilocybin mushrooms along with additional drug paraphernalia. Both Serna and Whitford admitted knowledge of the mushrooms, according to the report. The police actions led to charges against both young men, reflecting the serious legal consequences of drug possession and unsafe driving behaviors.
Serna faces multiple charges, including possession of psilocybin, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to drive in a single lane, and texting while driving. Whitford was charged with possession of psilocybin. Both individuals were booked into Broward County Jail and have since been released on bond.
“This incident serves as a reminder of how quickly seemingly harmless curiosity can escalate into legal trouble,” said a Coral Springs police spokesperson. “Using online platforms to locate controlled substances not only puts individuals at risk of criminal charges but also endangers public safety when combined with distracted driving.”
Authorities emphasized the dangers of combining online drug purchases with driving, noting that the use of phones behind the wheel and impaired judgment can have far-reaching consequences. Officers encourage community members to report illegal activity and remain vigilant about how technology is being used to facilitate criminal behavior.
As investigations continue, law enforcement hopes the case will serve as a cautionary tale for other young adults. The incident in Coral Springs highlights the intersection of online convenience, recreational drug use, and traffic safety—a combination that law enforcement officials warn can lead to swift legal consequences.
In the end, a late-night search for psilocybin mushrooms transformed a routine evening with friends into a series of arrests, underscoring the risks associated with illegal drug possession and distracted driving on local roadways. Both Whitford and Serna now face the legal repercussions of their actions while authorities continue to monitor the impact of online drug transactions in the area.
The Coral Springs Police Department encourages residents to stay informed and exercise caution, reinforcing that curiosity and convenience can quickly cross the line into criminal behavior.
