PANAMA CITY BEACH — Two men visiting from Georgia for Spring Break have been arrested while allegedly walking down the road with a pound of hydroponic marijuana, thousands in cash and a handgun, according to arrest records.
Pierre McBean, 21, and Darius Hill, 20, were arrested Wednesday after deputies noticed the two men walking along the 9400 block of Thomas Drive and allegedly drinking from a cup containing vodka, according to Bay County Sheriff’s Office reports.
After taking Hill and McBean into custody for consumption of alcohol on the right-of-way, officers could smell the strong odor of unburnt marijuana coming from a backpack McBean was wearing and began a search. Deputies allegedly found a mason jar containing about a pound of hyroponic weed and a large plastic bag with numerous smaller baggies inside. In the front zipper of the backpack, officers said they found a Ruger handgun, though McBean did not have a concealed carry permit, BCSO reported.
McBean also had several thousand dollars in cash, officials said.
Hill also was wearing a backpack allegedly containing a small amount of marijuana. He also allegedly had marijuana “blunt” in his pockets, officers reported.
Both men were arrested and taken to the Bay County Jail.
McBean, of Lithonia, Ga., was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, carrying a concealed firearm and possession of paraphernalia.
Hill, of Valdosta, Ga., was charged with possession of less than 20 grams and possession of paraphernalia.
Confiscation of the pistol adds to the number of firearms seized by BCSO since the beginning of Spring Break. As of Thursday, BCSO had seized 25 firearms this year, while only four were recovered last year.