Detectives’ patrol near Coral Springs hotel leads to arrest of two women in meth case
Coral Springs, Florida – A traffic stop near a Coral Springs hotel known to police for drug activity led to the arrest of two women and the seizure of more than 36 grams of suspected methamphetamine, according to Coral Springs Police arrest reports.
The incident began around 6 p.m. on Aug. 18, when undercover detectives were conducting patrols near the Studio 6 hotel at 5645 North University Drive. Investigators noticed a silver BMW leaving the property and observed the vehicle roll through a stop sign.
Detectives followed the BMW to a nearby Pollo Tropical parking lot, where they conducted a traffic stop. The driver was identified as 39-year-old Erica Fernandez, while 46-year-old Erika Contreras was in the passenger seat.
Police checks of both women reportedly revealed additional concerns. Fernandez was found to have a driver’s license that had been suspended 10 times, according to the arrest report. Contreras, meanwhile, had an active felony warrant related to burglary of a dwelling and dealing in stolen property.
After the two women were removed from the BMW, detectives brought in a police K-9 to check the vehicle. The dog alerted officers to the possible presence of narcotics, prompting detectives to conduct a search of the car.
During that search, investigators found two purses sitting on the center console. According to police, Contreras’ purse contained a plastic bag holding 36.4 grams of suspected methamphetamine. A field test on the substance reportedly produced a positive result for methamphetamine.
Detectives also said they found a glass pipe and a scale containing what appeared to be methamphetamine residue. Based on the evidence, Contreras was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was also taken into custody because of the outstanding felony warrant.
Fernandez’s purse allegedly contained a smaller amount of suspected methamphetamine. Police reported finding about 0.9 grams of the substance, along with a glass pipe and nine pills identified as gabapentin.
Fernandez faces several charges stemming from the traffic stop and the items allegedly found in her possession. Those charges include possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving with a suspended license and possessing a drug without a prescription.
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The arrests came as detectives were specifically patrolling the area around the Studio 6 hotel. According to the information in the police reports, the hotel has been known for drug activity, making the area a focus of law enforcement attention.
What initially appeared to be a relatively routine traffic violation quickly developed into a larger investigation after detectives followed the BMW and the police K-9 alerted to possible drugs inside the vehicle.
Both Fernandez and Contreras were taken to the Broward County jail following their arrests. The allegations against the women are based on the police arrest reports, and the charges remain allegations unless proven in court.
