The wife of Florida's controversial Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo has been arrested and charged with driving under the influence and drug possession following a traffic stop in historic St Augustine.
Brianna Ladapo, 36, was taken into custody on Friday evening after law enforcement officers detected signs of impairment during a routine traffic intervention. Court documents obtained by The Guardian reveal disturbing details about the incident that led to her arrest.
Traffic Stop Reveals Multiple Violations
According to official reports, Mrs Ladapo was operating her vehicle with noticeably darkened window tinting that violated Florida state laws. When officers approached the vehicle, they immediately detected the distinct odour of cannabis emanating from inside the car.
The situation escalated when officers observed clear signs of impairment in Mrs Ladapo's behaviour and appearance. Court documents state she exhibited "bloodshot, watery eyes" and displayed "slurred, mumbled speech" during the interaction with law enforcement.
Evidence Found During Search
During a subsequent search of the vehicle, officers made several concerning discoveries:
- A partially smoked hand-rolled cigarette suspected to contain cannabis
- Multiple cannabis edibles packaged for sale
- Additional cannabis products within the vehicle
Mrs Ladapo reportedly admitted to officers that she had consumed some of the cannabis products prior to operating the vehicle.
Legal and Professional Repercussions
The arrest comes at a particularly sensitive time for her husband, Dr Joseph Ladapo, who has served as Florida's Surgeon General since 2021. Dr Ladapo has been a controversial figure throughout his tenure, particularly for his unorthodox approaches to pandemic management and vaccine skepticism.
Legal experts suggest that the charges against Mrs Ladapo could have significant implications given her husband's high-profile position in Florida's public health hierarchy. The case has already begun attracting attention from both political commentators and public health advocates.
Mrs Ladapo was processed at the St Johns County jail and has since been released. The case continues to develop as legal proceedings move forward.
