A man from Brooklyn, New York, identified as Charles Wilson Pastore, 46, was arrested in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on September 3, on charges including trafficking methamphetamine and cocaine. The arrest occurred after police pulled over the Mercedes-Benz Pastore was traveling in.
A police K9 alerted officers to narcotics within the vehicle. During a subsequent search, authorities discovered over 17 grams of methamphetamine and 3.5 grams of crack cocaine. The search also yielded a backpack containing a digital scale with residue, $3,515 in cash, and a loaded semi-automatic handgun with its serial number altered. Investigators also found a Florida driver's license that appeared to be fraudulent.
Police allege that Pastore and the driver of the vehicle were collaborating in drug trafficking. Pastore faces multiple charges, including meth trafficking, and possession of meth, cocaine, and drug paraphernalia. He was taken into custody and later released after posting $37,000 bail on September 8. Information regarding legal representation for Pastore was not immediately available.