Known drug dealer caught with meth and stolen gun during SJSO traffic stop

On 08/04/22, detectives with the St Johns County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit (SIU) were conducting a proactive investigation related to trafficking of narcotics. Paul Derrick Gambrell (12/26/88), a known drug dealer, was observed traveling in the SR 16/I-95 area.

A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle P Gambrell was driving. A search of the vehicle resulted in locating narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and a stolen handgun. P Gambrell was subsequently arrested for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Trafficking Methamphetamine, Possession of Less than 20 grams cannabis, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The firearm found in P Gambrell’s possession had previously been reported stolen in a car burglary.

Special Investigations Unit Detectives completed a follow up investigation and learned P Gambrell had additional narcotics at a shed he had been living in at 4250 Flagler Estates Blvd.

A search warrant for the shed was obtained and on 08/09/22 the detectives executed the search warrant.

The following items were located during the search:

????94.6 grams methamphetamine
???? Various items of drug paraphernalia
????2 shotguns
???? 2 handguns (one of which had previously been reported stolen)
????1 AR-15 style rifle
???? 3 additional rifles
???? Various ammunition

P Gambrell was arrested for 5 separate charges:

????Trafficking Methamphetamine while Armed ????Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon ????Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon
????Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
????Maintaining a Drug Dwelling

Well done, SJSO SIU!!!