LABELLE  -- On Saturday, July 3, 2021 at approximately 2:30 p.m., Hendry County K-9 Deputy, M. Afonso, observed a blue BMW traveling at an excessive speed as it entered the City of LaBelle. The deputy conducted a traffic stop in the area of Hickpochee and North Elm Street.

The driver was identified as 23-year-old Jose Luis Alvarez Chavez of Miami. While speaking with Alvarez Chavez and the passenger, the deputy discovered that the driver’s license had been suspended since December of 2019. The driver was then placed under arrest.

The deputy also noticed a strong odor of marijuana was being emitted from inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was conducted, deputies located approximately half pound of marijuana, Xanex and D-Amphetamine pills. Additionally deputies located a firearm and approximately $10,200 in cash.

Alvarez Chavez was taken into custody and transported to the Hendry County Jail on charges of two counts of possession of controlled substance without a prescription, possession of marijuana over 20 grams, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, mfg or deliver, actual constructive possession of synthetic marijuana, and driving while license suspended and/or revoked.

Alvarez Chavez was released on July 4, 2021 on $26,000 bond.