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MELBOURNE, Fla. – A routine patrol by Melbourne Police led to a major drug bust Thursday afternoon, resulting in the arrest of Manuel Enrique Lopez Calero, for possession of more than 16 pounds of marijuana and over $12,000 in cash.

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According to the arrest report, Field Training Officer Jacob Dial was patrolling near Front Street Park around 2205 Front St. on July 14, 2025, when he observed a grey Ford F-150 fail to stop at a stop sign at Front Street and Melbourne Avenue. The driver, later identified as Lopez Calero, turned into a nearby parking lot where Officer Dial conducted a traffic stop.

While speaking with Lopez Calero, Officer Dial detected a strong odor of marijuana and noticed marijuana shake on the vehicle’s floorboard. When asked if he possessed a medical marijuana card, Lopez Calero said he did not. After backup arrived, Lopez Calero admitted there was marijuana in the vehicle but did not specify its location.

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A subsequent search revealed a bundle of cash on the driver’s side floorboard and a small black shopping bag containing more cash in the back seat. Officer Dial then found a black yard trash bag containing multiple packages of marijuana packaged in a manner consistent with distribution.

Police say the total weight of the marijuana was 16.399 pounds. The cash found on Lopez Calero totaled $12,040. He was advised of his Miranda rights but declined to speak with officers.

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Investigators determined Lopez Calero knowingly possessed the marijuana and exercised control over it. He was arrested on charges of Possession of Marijuana Over 20 Grams and Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell.

The Melbourne Police Department praised Officer Dial’s work in a Facebook post, noting the bust was the result of a traffic stop that quickly escalated into a significant seizure of illegal drugs and cash.

The evidence, including officer body-worn camera footage and in-car video, has been logged as part of the ongoing case.

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