Brandon Man Arrested After Search of Business; Loaded Gun, Cocaine Reported

The owner of L&M Auto Sales in Clair Mel City was arrested after deputies found a loaded handgun and cocaine on the premises, according to a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s report.

Deputy Larry McKinnon reported that a three-week narcotics investigation led to the execution of the search warrant, at 1104 78th Street South, on Jan. 18 at 2:20 p.m.

McKinnon said Lazaro Hernandez, 34, of 1542 Portsmouth Lake Drive in Brandon, was arrested following the search of his 78th Street business.

The deputy added that a loaded Smith Wesson 9mm semi-auto handgun was found along with nearly 10 ounces of cocaine with a reported street value of more than $14,000.

Lazaro's charges including  trafficking in cocaine, conspiracy to traffic in cocaine and delivery of cocaine. He was transported to the Hillsborough County Jail and held without bond.

The investigation continues, McKinnon said.