SARASOTA, FL (WWSB) – A Sarasota couples altercation led deputies to discover trafficking amounts of methamphetamine in their vehicle on Saturday night.
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office initially responded to a 911 for a couple having an altercation in the parking lot of a gas station on Bee Ridge Road around 11:30 p.m.
Deputies approached Ryan Pestian, 35, and Sara Ryan, 29, and noticed a large plastic pipe on the passenger side floorboard of their vehicle.
A full search of the vehicle went underway and deputies discovered rubber tubing that connected the pipe to a Styrofoam cup with a lid and straw in one of the cup holders.
Deputies also recovered more than 19 grams of methamphetamine and heroin in small baggies as well as various drug paraphernalia.
When deputies were taking the two into custody, they found a fully loaded handgun in Pestian’s waistband.
The couple was arrested and booked into the Sarasota County Jail.
Pestian is charged with Armed Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Possession of Heroin, and Possession of Narcotic Equipment.
Ryan is charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Narcotic Equipment and Domestic Battery.
Both remain in custody without bond.
