BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) – The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man smuggling drugs after a traffic stop.

John Michael Tablas, 50, is charged with Trafficking more than 28 grams but less than 100 grams of Methamphetamine and two counts of possession of a firearm during a violent crime.

Corporal Carli Carr said deputies conducted a traffic stop after determining Tablas was a suspicious vehicle.

He was seen leaving the Prime Warehouse around 1 a.m. on Friday. They contacted Tablas, where they noticed locksmith tools, drills and headlights. They also noticed small plastic bags containing drugs in the backseat behind Tablas’ seat.

Deputies asked for his consent to search his vehicle. He responded by saying they could call him but could not take his vehicle.

A K9 was requested by deputies to conduct a free air sweep. K9 Gery responded to the scene with his handler and raised a positive alert.

They continued to search the vehicle, where they found a black bag inside.

Inside the black bag, deputies found a scale with white gunpowder residue on it, as well as baggies related to drug sales, a pope with methamphetamine residue, and a black magnetic box with a combination lock. Inside the magnet box was approximately 45 gross grams of methamphetamine.

They also found a 1911 .45-caliber revolver and a Thunder .380-caliber revolver, according to Cpl. Carli Carr.

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.