In the early morning hours of January 1, 2026, Naples Police officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that failed to stop at a flashing red traffic signal located at 3rd St S and Broad Ave S. During the stop, officers detected the odor of marijuana and observed suspicious behavior from the front-seat passenger. The passenger was later identified as Rina M. Larson, 30, of Tampa. Evidence observed in plain view and subsequent testing provided officers with probable cause to conduct a search of the vehicle and occupants.

As a result of the investigation, officers recovered multiple illegal narcotics, including 129.9 grams of oxycodone, 129.9 grams of amphetamine, 3.2 grams of marijuana, 14.9 grams of marijuana in pre-rolled joints, 0.5 grams of cocaine, and 22.6 grams of fentanyl. According to the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) 2 mg of fentanyl is considered to be a lethal dose, therefore the recovered amount of fentanyl would be enough to kill nearly 11,000 people. Officers also recovered drug paraphernalia consistent with narcotics distribution, including digital scales and packaging materials. Additionally, officers located a loaded Smith & Wesson .40 caliber firearm with an altered serial number, concealed and readily accessible within the vehicle.

Larson was arrested and charged with multiple felony offenses, including drug trafficking, possession of controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, and firearm violations. The driver, Joshua Caleb Cunningham, 33, of Lakeland was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and issued traffic citations, including failure to obey a flashing red signal and possession of an open alcoholic beverage container.

This incident highlights the importance that proactive traffic enforcement and officer vigilance is in removing dangerous drugs and illegal firearms from our community.