Drugs, stolen gun seized from Fort Myers residents in Charlotte County traffic stop

Two people were arrested during a traffic stop along I-75 in Charlotte County Wednesday and face multiple drug offense charges and possession of a stolen gun.

Charlotte County deputies say they observed a white Ford pickup speeding on southbound I-75. The vehicle was clocked at more than 90 mph in a 70 mph zone. Deputies stopped the driver just south of Duncan Road on Wednesday.

Deputies say, Joseph Bassett, 30 was the driver and the passenger was Barbara Allen, 35, both residents of Fort Myers.  Bassett was unable to show his registration and while the deputies were next to the vehicle, a scale was seen on the front floorboard.

The scale was handed over to deputies who said it was covered in a residue which later tested positive for Methamphetamine. Bassett was told he was receiving a traffic ticket for speeding, and due to the scale being located, deputies asked to search the vehicle.

Bassett said there was nothing illegal inside.

However, during the search deputies found a small silver handgun behind the front passenger seat, along with a used meth pipe. Deputies say the gun was easily accessible to both Allen and Bassett. Behind the driver’s seat, deputies also found a small safe that had a small baggie of Methamphetamine. Beside the safe was a baggie with a large amount of Heroin and additional bags of Methamphetamine. From the bed of the truck, deputies found a Bolt Action .22.

As the investigation continued, deputies say they found the handgun located in the backseat of the vehicle was reported stolen out of Cape Coral on May 6.

Due to the rifle not having a serial number, deputies were unable to determine if it was stolen as well.

During the traffic stop, Bassett asked if he could smoke a cigarette. The cigarettes were on the tailgate of the truck and these were the same cigarettes that Bassett had when he exited the vehicle. Deputies retrieved the cigarette pack and noticed a small baggie with an off-white/brown substance, inside the package. This substance tested positive for Fentanyl.

During the stop, Barbara Allen was in the bed of the truck attempting to contain a large dog so it would not run into traffic.

While in the bed of the truck, Barbara was seen reaching to her side where authorities found a large amount of Methamphetamine (10.3 grams), directly beneath where Barbara was sitting. This baggie was not there prior to Barbara being in the bed of the truck.

At the time of his arrest, Joseph Bassett was in possession of over $2,000. Inside the vehicle, deputies also located four cell phones.

They later learned that Joseph Bassett was recently arrested in Lee County for Trafficking in Fentanyl and other narcotics charges and Barbara Allen is a convicted felon.

18.3 grams of Methamphetamine and 37.4 grams of Fentanyl was taken off the street during the traffic stop. That is said to be enough fentanyl to kill 18,000 people.

Allen was arrested on the following charges:

TRAFFICKING IN FENTANYL 4 GRAMS OR MORE
Amphetamine – Trafficking More Than 14 Grams
Drug Paraphernalia – Possession or Use Of
Possession of Firearm Ammunition or Weapon by Florida Convicted Felon
Using a Firearm While Committing Felony

Bassett  was arrested on the following charges:

TRAFFICKING IN FENTANYL 4 GRAMS OR MORE
Possess Controlled Sub WO Prescription
Drug Paraphernalia – Possession or Use Of
Using a Firearm While Committing Felony
Anonymous tips about dealers or drug use in your area can be submitted online by going to this website or through our mobile app, available on Apple and Android markets.

(The dog on scene was given a sweater to keep warm and was picked up by a friend of Barbara Allen’s.)