TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO DRUG TRAFFICKING ARREST IN FREEPORT
A traffic stop in Freeport resulted in the arrest of two individuals on drug-related charges.
On February 6, 2025, investigators from the Walton County Sheriff’s Office Vice/Narcotics Unit conducted a traffic stop on a black Chevrolet Impala near the intersection of US Highway 331 S and State Highway 20 in Freeport. Upon approaching the vehicle, investigators observed drug paraphernalia in plain view inside the car. The driver, identified as Nathaniel Warren Shanklin, 26, was removed from the vehicle and placed in handcuffs.
A subsequent search of Shanklin revealed approximately 29 grams of methamphetamine in a plastic bag inside his pants pocket, along with a small plastic bag containing suspected fentanyl concealed in his sock. Investigators also discovered a small quantity of marijuana, a digital scale, additional bags commonly used for packaging and distributing narcotics, and a glass smoking pipe inside the vehicle.
Shanklin was arrested and charged with trafficking in methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Additional charges for possession of fentanyl are pending, awaiting confirmation from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Laboratory.
The front seat passenger, identified as Kayla Florine Garcia, 40, was also taken into custody and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
Shanklin was issued a $51,000 bond and remains in custody at the Walton County Jail. Garcia, who was issued a $1,000 bond, was released on February 7, 2025.