Crime & Safety

2 Charged in Sarasota Drug Bust

A search warrant was served on a 34th Street home Thursday.

An investigation into a suspected Sarasota drug house concluded Thursday with two arrests.

According to the Sarasota Police Department, the agency’s street crimes and narcotics units had received information about potential drug house activity at 1250 34th St. When an investigation turned up enough supporting evidence, a search warrant was obtained.

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The department’s SWAT team assisted in serving that warrant Thursday, with two men ultimately arrested as a result.

“We are happy that we have eradicated another drug house and returned this quiet, North Sarasota neighborhood to normalcy,” Sgt. Demetri Konstantopoulos was quoted in an email from the department as saying.

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Those arrested were:

Calvin E. Butler, 42 of 1250 34th St.

Charges:

  • Possession of rock cocaine with intent to sell within 1000 feet of a church
  • Possession of Dilaudid
  • Possession of Xanax
  • Violation of Probation
  • Driving with a Suspended License (Habitual Traffic Offender)

Butler has a criminal history that includes 33 felony charges and 17 convictions. He’s also been charged with 41 misdemeanors and convicted of 29, according to the police department.

Ryan N. Keeley, 30, of 1250 34th St.

Charges:

  • Possession of Dilaudid
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Keeley has a record that includes 12 felony charges and three felony convictions, the department noted.

During the search of the home, officers found 50 pieces of rock cocaine, 11 baggies of powder cocaine, 2.8 grams of Dilaudid and 3.9 grams of Xanax. They also seized $1,844 in cash.

Both men remained in the Sarasota County Jail Friday afternoon.

Photos courtesy of the Sarasota Police Department

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