318 Ecstasy pills found hidden in wheel well of vehicle in Marathon, deputies say

Authorities say suspect claims he was taking drugs to friends in Key West

MARATON, Fla. – A Cape Coral man was arrested Tuesday night on drug charges after he was stopped for speeding in Marathon, authorities said.

Monroe County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Becky Herrin said Tyler Doidge, 21, was pulled over while he was driving 64 mph in a 25 mph zone.

Herrin said one of two deputies at the scene approached the 2008 Buick Lacrosse and smelled the distinct odor of marijuana coming from inside.

Herrin said Doidge got out of the car as one of the deputies searched the vehicle.

Four packages containing a total of 84 grams of marijuana were seized, as well as 318 Ecstasy pills that were found hidden in the wheel well, Herrin said.

Herrin said Doidge claimed that his friends, who were in Key West, forgot to take the drugs with them so they offered to pay for his entire trip if he took the drugs down to them from Coral Springs.

Doidge was arrested on charges of possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana, trafficking in Ecstasy and possession of drug paraphernalia.


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Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.