BERKELEY COUNTY, SC (WCSC) – The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man for narcotics trafficking after a traffic stop.

John Michael Tablas, 50, is charged with trafficking methamphetamine in more than 28 grams but less than 100 grams and two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime.

Corporal Carli Carr said officers conducted a traffic stop in Tablas after discovering a suspicious vehicle was being driven.

He was seen leaving Prime Storage on Friday around 1 am. They contacted Tablas and noticed locksmith tools, drills and headlights. They also noticed small plastic bags with drugs in the back seat behind Tablas’ seat.

The officers asked for his consent to search his vehicle. He responded by saying they could search him, but not his vehicle.

Officers requested a K9 to conduct an open air sniff. K9 Gery went to the scene with his handler, who showed positive alertness.

They continued to search his vehicle in which they located a black bag.

Inside the black bag, agents found a scale with white powder residue, as well as baggies consistent with narcotics sales, a potato with methamphetamine residue, and a black magnetic box with a combination lock. Inside the magnetic box was approximately 45 gross grams of methamphetamine.

They also located a .45-caliber 1911 pistol and a .380-caliber Thunder pistol, according to the corporal. Carli Carr.

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.