Search Warrant Leads to Drug and Weapons Charges

NEWS RELEASE #: 16-144

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office working in partnership with the Venice Police Department, arrested an Armed Career Criminal on drug and weapons charges after the Special Investigations Section and SWAT executed a search warrant Tuesday morning at his Venice home.

Detectives arrived at 304 Bayshore Drive at approximately 5:00 p.m., and found four weapons including three rifles and a pistol, two of which were loaded, as well as 1,000 rounds of ammunition. Upon search of an RV parked in the driveway, detectives located a hidden compartment containing methamphetamine, several prescription pills and syringes.

Ryan Hug, DOB 04/27/62, who lives at the residence, has five felony convictions in Florida and seven felony convictions in the state of Georgia. Detectives charged Hug with Failure to Register as a Convicted Felon, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Amphetamine, Possession of Alprazolam, Possession of Diazepam, Possession of Hydromorphone, Possession of Clonazepam, and Possession of Morphine. He is currently being held at the Sarasota County Jail on $25,620 bond. The investigation is ongoing.
Ryan Hug_07202016