PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — A Tuesday evening surveillance operation in Punta Gorda led to the arrest of two men accused of conducting a cocaine deal in the parking lot of a local bar.
According to authorities, deputies with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office had received information that 36-year-old Phillip Jerome Barker Jr. would be arriving at CJ’s Tavern on Tamiami Trail to complete a drug transaction. Investigators had reportedly been monitoring Barker for some time and had already established probable cause for his arrest.
Deputies strategically positioned themselves around the parking lot and observed what they believed to be a hand-to-hand drug sale between Barker and another man, later identified as 36-year-old Kristofer Tomas Matos. Officials say the exchange involved suspected cocaine.
After the alleged transaction, both men entered the bar. Deputies followed and approached them inside the establishment, where they conducted further investigation.
During the arrest, Barker was found carrying a shoulder bag containing multiple pre-packaged bags of suspected cocaine. Authorities also discovered an additional bag hidden in his shorts, along with a substantial amount of cash believed to be connected to drug sales. In total, approximately 77 grams of suspected cocaine were seized during the operation.
Barker was taken into custody and faces multiple charges, including cocaine trafficking, possession or use of drug paraphernalia, and driving with a revoked license. Matos was also arrested and charged with possession of cocaine, violation of probation, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell issued a firm statement following the arrests, emphasizing the agency’s aggressive stance on drug activity within the community. He made it clear that authorities will continue to pursue suspected dealers and take swift enforcement action, whether the activity occurs in private residences or public spaces.
The sheriff reiterated that law enforcement is committed to maintaining public safety and holding individuals accountable for illegal drug activity. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not indicated whether additional arrests may follow.
Officials continue to encourage residents to report suspicious activity, noting that community tips often play a critical role in disrupting illegal drug operations.
