North Port, FL – A convicted felon was arrested earlier this month in Sarasota County after deputies uncovered a large cache of firearms, drugs, and cash at a residence in North Port.
According to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the arrest happened on Sunday, April 13, when members of the Fugitive Apprehension Unit and Special Investigations Section took 53-year-old Alexei Safronov into custody on an outstanding warrant for violation of probation.
During a search of the home, investigators reported recovering a firearm that had been stolen out of Lee County in September 2025, along with 19 loaded handguns, two rifles, and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
Authorities also said they seized drug-related items, including a pill press and manufacturing materials used to produce counterfeit M30 oxycodone pills containing fentanyl. Deputies reported finding approximately 5.7 grams of fentanyl, 3.8 grams of methamphetamine, and $30,000 in U.S. currency.
According to authorities, Safronov is facing multiple charges, including two counts of possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted felon, trafficking in fentanyl, possession of a tableting machine, possession of controlled substance counterfeiting materials, and possession of a controlled substance.
The investigation remains active, and officials have not released additional details.
